Marshall Robinson, Jason Cobb, Thrasher Engineering, Greg
Smith and Leon Mallow.
Appalachian Children’s Chorus
Announces Two New Programs
This fall, the Appalachian Children’s Chorus (ACC) initiated
two new choirs: the ACC Academy at Mary C. Snow West Side
Elementary School and a homeschool choir. Each choir will be
eight weeks long and will participate in the annual Christmas
concert on December 8.
“ACC aims to reach as many children in West Virginia as
possible with its life-changing program,” says Selina Mid-
kiff, founding and artistic director. “We have partnered with
Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School to start a choir
in their school as part of their afterschool program. We have
also reached out to the local homeschool community to offer
an option for their children’s music education. We are thrilled
about the possibilities these new choirs bring as we expand
our horizons.”
West Virginia State University Program Promotes
STEM Fields to High School Students
High school juniors at Herbert Hoover and South Charleston
high schools will have the opportunity to learn more about STEM
fields over the course of the coming school year through a new
program created by West Virginia State University (WVSU).
The WVSU STEM Scholars Academy will pair WVSU
students with the high school juniors to prepare traditionally
underrepresented students for future success in the STEM
fields and employment in STEM careers.
High school students
attend the WVSU STEM
Scholars Academy.
The year-long program will combine innovative teaching,
ongoing mentorship, professional development opportunities,
hands-on STEM research experiences and a weeklong college
preparation camp that will include a visit to Washington, D.C.,
to explore additional possibilities in STEM.
“The WVSU STEM Scholars Academy is an important
program for introducing the STEM fields to high school stu-
dents who have traditionally been underrepresented in these
fields,” says WVSU President Dr. Anthony Jenkins. “Through
this program, our goal is to foster students’ interest in STEM
fields as well as develop their skills, abilities and confidence
and provide exposure to current and future careers that are
available throughout our state and nation.”
76
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
University of Charleston Announces
Scholarship Grant for STEM Students
University of Charleston (UC) has received a grant to provide
scholarships to 12 of its students pursuing STEM degrees. The
grant was announced by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito
and Joe Manchin, members of the Senate Appropriations Com-
mittee. The grant totals $648,409 and funds four-year scholar
ships for 12 students pursuing baccalaureate degrees in data
science, computer science, biological sciences, chemistry and
dual biology-chemistry programs at UC. Funding is provided
by the National Science Foundation.
The project, entitled Scholars Program for Environmental
Challenges, is under the direction of UC professors Aida
Jimenez-Esquilin, David Haas, Juliana Serafin and Mark Watson.
“Getting this award is evidence of the fine quality of the
faculty at UC and our hard work and commitment to our stu-
dents and our mission,” says Jimenez-Esquilin, UC biology
program director. “This grant will allow us to give the quality
education of UC to a number of talented and deserving West
Virginia students. The program goes above providing financial
aid—it will emphasize long-term mentoring through their time
at UC and beyond in a wealth of activities aimed to develop
their science identity.”
Shepherd University Opens Food Pantry for Students
Shepherd University is addressing food insecurity among
its students by opening a food pantry in Boteler Hall where
the Ram Mart convenience store used to be on West Campus.
Shepherd is partnering with the Mountaineer Food Bank,
which will provide the university with an inventory list of both
free and for-cost items that can be selected and delivered the
second Tuesday of each month. The Ram Pantry will be open
Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m., and Fridays, 5-7 p.m., starting this fall.
“The purpose of the pantry is to help improve food insecu-
rity on campus or, ideally, eliminate it completely and improve
the well-being of our students so they can focus on why they’re
here—to get an education,” says Dr. Jennifer Flora, the wellness
center director who is spearheading efforts to open the pantry.
The Ram Pantry, which will be managed by student Angel
Petty, will offer nonperishable foods and some perishable
foods like milk, cheese and butter. It will be open to on-cam-
pus, commuter, non-degree seeking and dual enrollment stu-
dents with the 15 or fewer meal plan or no meal plan, as well
as faculty members who have a waiver.
Alderson Broaddus University Brings Degree
Programs to Charleston, Beckley and Fairmont
Alderson Broaddus University (AB), in conjunction with
area community and technical colleges, will be offering new
bachelor’s degree programs in the Charleston, Beckley and
Fairmont areas.
“AB is pleased to have our community and technical colleges
partner in this important initiative,” says Dr. Jim Owston,
assistant provost for extended learning. “Our degree comple-
tion programs provide associate program graduates and other
working adults with some college credits the opportunity to
complete a bachelor’s degree close to home.”