West Liberty University Celebrates Hilltopper Pathways Program with Ribbon Cutting

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. —West Liberty University celebrated the Hilltopper Pathways After-School Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m., recognizing an initiative that provides academic support, mentoring, wellness education, and enrichment opportunities for middle school students throughout West Virginia’s Region 1 counties.

The program, housed within WLU’s College of Education and Human Performance, is supported by funding from the West Virginia First Foundation. The investment has helped transform university classrooms into flexible, engaging learning environments while providing equipment and supplies to support educational, wellness, and enrichment activities.

Through the Foundation’s support, WLU renovated classrooms in Main Hall and enhanced its Exercise Physiology classroom and laboratory, creating welcoming spaces where participating students can learn, explore, and develop new skills.

“Today, we celebrate so much more than just a program launch. We celebrate the commitment to creating pathways for opportunities, belonging, and success,” said Dr. Cathy Monteroso, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at West Liberty University.

Hilltopper Pathways currently serves middle school students from Region 1 counties on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Participants engage in academic support, mentoring, social-emotional development, health and wellness education, and hands-on learning experiences designed to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and prepare students for future success.

Students also participate in activities within WLU’s Exercise Physiology classroom and laboratory, where they explore health, fitness, and wellness through interactive educational experiences.

Kathleen Wack, WLU Health and Physical Education Faculty Member and Hilltopper Pathways Project Director, emphasized the progress already being made through the program.

“This is just taking WLU’s connection with local schools to such a new level,” Wack said. “We have seen such growth in the middle school students and the college students. The relationships that have been built among them in just weeks has been really great.”

Beyond its impact on participating middle school students, Hilltopper Pathways provides valuable experiential learning opportunities for WLU students pursuing careers in education, exercise physiology, counseling, and related fields.

Through direct involvement in the program, university students can apply classroom knowledge, work with local youth, and develop professional skills that will prepare them for future careers as educators, health professionals, coaches, counselors, and community leaders.

“This program represents exactly what we strive to accomplish through the College of Education and Human Performance,” said Dr. Sherri Theaker, Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance at West Liberty University. “We are creating meaningful opportunities for young people in our communities while giving our own students valuable hands-on experiences that prepare them for their future careers. It is a partnership that benefits everyone involved and reflects our commitment to education, service, and student success.”

The West Virginia First Foundation’s investment reflects a shared commitment to prevention, education, and providing young people with opportunities to build healthier futures.

“We are very excited to be able to fund a program such as this,” said Dr. Steven Corder, a Region 1 Board Member of the West Virginia First Foundation. “Because after all, we know prevention is the best intervention. You know, if you can prevent folks from suffering from substance use disorders and get them on the right path, then you’ve done a great service.”

The ribbon-cutting celebration brought together university leadership, program representatives, and West Virginia First Foundation officials, including WLU President Dr. Timothy Borchers; Provost Dr. Cathy Monteroso; Dr. Sherri Theaker; Professor Kathleen Wack; Hilltopper Pathways Project Assistant James Morelli; Dr. Steven Corder; and Romeo Tan, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the West Virginia First Foundation.

As West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education, West Liberty University continues its tradition of serving surrounding communities through initiatives that expand educational opportunities and support future generations.

Through Hilltopper Pathways, WLU and the West Virginia First Foundation are working together to help young people develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed, while preparing university students to make a meaningful difference in their future professions.

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.

Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu