ALUMNI “WALL OF HONOR” The West Liberty University Alumni Board of Directors instituted a project in 1990 to demonstrate to current students, visitors, and friends that the college has some very successful graduates. This project, known as the “Alumni Wall of Honor,” is a dramatic way to honor some of the college’s most distinguished alumni and display pride in the accomplishments of its graduates. The concept was suggested by then Associate Professor of Physics Robert W. Schramm, who is a 1958 graduate of the college and a 2002 Alumni Wall of Honor inductee. The Alumni Wall of Honor is housed in the south end of the Union known as the Alumni Lounge.
Michael F Pockl
Inducted 2015Michael F. Pockl earned a bachelor’s degree at West Liberty in 1967, then went on to earn a master’s degree and a certificate of advanced study at West Virginia University. He also completed advanced work at Marshall University and the University of Akron.
A 40-year veteran in the field of education, he has been a teacher, coach, principal of a National School of Excellence in Ohio County, effective schools coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Education, residential director of the West Virginia Principal’s Academy, executive assistant of Akron City Schools and superintendent of Zanesville City Schools.
Pockl has presented on school reform, effective schools research, school restructuring and school improvement plans in 18 states. He also served for six years as consultant, presenter and moderator of Arkansas Department of Education Effective Schools Institute.
Pockl is a former member of Cadre of Fellows for the National Center for Effective Schools Research and Development, National Network of Principal Centers at Harvard, National On-Site Visitor for the U.S. Department of Education Secondary Schools Recognition Program and WVU’s Benedum Team.
He is a recipient of the West Virginia Principals Commission Principal of the Year Award, National Association of Secondary Schools Principals Honor of Excellence Award, WVU College of Human Resources and Education Alumni Association Award and the WV Department of Education Leader of Learning Award.
A resident of Wheeling, he is married to the former Patricia Paluch.