Empowering West Virginia Students in STEM
By Dr. Martina Bachlechner Economic growth in West Virginia relies heavily on filling available science, technology, engineering and mathematics—or STEM—positions with qualified job seekers. Institutions of higher education have responded to this need by developing corresponding programs. However, in 2017 only 48 percent of ACT-tested high school graduates nationwide indicated they were interested in STEM, […]
Promoting a Healthier Future for Southern West Virginia
By Emily Wilkinson Active Southern West Virginia (Active SWV) is a nonprofit organization that strives to create a culture of health and physical activity in Southern West Virginia by increasing opportunities for active lifestyles. The Active SWV Kids Run Club program, one of the organization’s five core programming areas, improves the health outcomes of Southern […]
Hunks in Heels
By Leslie Pease Where do top hats, lariats and high heels meet? How do you end up with rock and roll wigs, a cowboy hat and Miner Mike, mascot for the West Virginia Miners baseball team, all in the same place? What do a professional boxer, a lawyer, coal miners and news reporters have in […]
Preserve and Protect: Grant Aids Conservation of the Appalachian Trail
By Anne Baker The Appalachian Trail is not just a footpath. Its 2,191 miles offer visitors the opportunity to be part of an iconic hiking experience that is distinctly American. Peace can be found within the promise of lush forests and scenic vistas. Yet the trail is more than an isolated footpath in the woods—it […]
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Michael Sickler
By Samantha Cart For the past four months, West Virginia Executive (WVE) has been highlighting successful Mountain State entrepreneurs who are affecting change and living out their dreams in their home state. Entrepreneurs have tremendous potential for growing West Virginia’s economy and creating quality jobs, which is why the staff at WVE wants to continue […]
A State of Addiction, A Point of Recovery
By Matt Boggs It’s no secret that West Virginia leads the nation in drug overdose deaths. According to recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics, the rate of drug overdose deaths in our state was 52 per 100,000 in 2016. This is more than double the national average. Loved ones and communities across […]
