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2005
2010
2015
2020
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2012 Graduated from Marshall University with a Doctorate in Education |
2017 Started volunteering at WVU Medicine Children ’ s Hospital
2020 Elected to Fairmont City Council , District 2
2022 Graduated from Leadership West Virginia
2023 Elected mayor of Fairmont
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as director of corporate and foundation relations for the Health Sciences Center at the West Virginia University Foundation , Inc .
“ The important aspects of my work are to identify funding opportunities and cultivate and solicit philanthropic support by developing and maintaining relationships with corporations , foundations and individuals to foster positive and enduring relationships ,” she says . “ Prior to joining the WVU Foundation Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations , my career spanned over 16 years in research administration in several roles at WVU .”
Bolyard was raised in a family of public school teachers who instilled in her the importance of intellectual curiosity and education , something she has carried with her all her life . She graduated with a bachelor ’ s degree in health care administration from the West Virginia Institute of Technology , a master ’ s degree in community health education from WVU and a Doctorate in Education in leadership studies from Marshall University .
With educators who helped her discover her love of music , supervisors at her first professional job at CAMC Corporate Wellness and her doctoral committee , Bolyard has had a number of mentors throughout her life . She has reciprocated their efforts by advising undergraduate and graduate students .
“ In being a mentor , the important aspect is to listen to understand , not just listen to respond ,” she says .
In addition to mentoring , community service and volunteering are important
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parts of Bolyard ’ s life .
“ Each of us achieves our dreams and realizes our ambitions not alone , but with the support of family as well as strangers that give their time or resources to make these achievements possible ,” she says . “ This legacy of philanthropy and service is only possible when you realize that your gifts and talents are needed to help others , whether it ’ s one person or an entire community . This understanding is what drives me to give back and work with others to make a difference in West Virginia .”
Bolyard has been a neonatal intensive care unit cuddler and Child Life Program volunteer at WVU Medicine Children ’ s hospital for six years and also serves as a board member for the Friends of WVU Hospitals and Marion County Rescue Squad . She is also a member of the Rotary Club of South Fairmont and GFWC Woman ’ s Club of Fairmont .
“ These organizations are important to me because the common thread of their respective missions is to support and improve the community in a variety of ways ,” she says .
The support and encouragement of her family , as well as her own stamina to live a life of service and purpose , has gotten Bolyard to where she is today . For the future , she is focused on continuing to better herself , her community and her state .
“ West Virginia is home ,” she says . “ It ’ s a collection of close-knit communities and a heritage of hard work and determination . This is a legacy that I must continue in my own way with other West Virginians for future generations .” •
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