Story provided by WLU News & Media Relations

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Aug. 29, 2019 — West Liberty University held its Opening Convocation and General Faculty Meeting Wednesday at noon in Kelly Theatre. The annual gathering offers an opportunity for both faculty and staff awards and campus updates as the new academic year begins.

President Stephen Greiner welcomed everyone back and expressed his thanks to the staff that worked over the summer including maintenance, which completed 24 needed renovation projects over the summer.

Greiner also shared positive three-year trends with the audience:

• On-campus housing is up nearly 9 percent
• Graduate programs are up 166 percent
• Promise scholars up 6 percent
• Enrollment up 9 percent
• Endowment is up 29 percent

“These are indicators that we are headed in the right direction and I want to thank everyone in this room for making it happen. However, we need to continue to work together to remain on track for success. Often, when things are going well, complacency creeps in. My belief has always been, when things are going well don’t relax. Now is not the time for complacency. We must continue to move forward,” Greiner said.

Vice President of Enrollment Scott Cook shared his enrollment outlook and explained that though high school graduate numbers are not expected to go up until 2024, West Liberty has good news in enrollment.

“We had 1,900 prospective students visiting campus last year, which is a 25 percent increase from the year before. Also our new and transfer student numbers are up,” he said.

He also shared the positive fact that West Liberty University has the highest four-year graduation rate in the state for a public school.

Vice President of Finance and Administration Roberta Linger spoke briefly and shared financial information.

“Two important indicators are up: the Composite Financial Index (CFI) has shown and increase of 45 percent (measures overall health of institution) and the days of cash-on-hand is up almost 60 percent,” she said.

Greiner also reminded employees that when the Board of Governors convene in October, it is expected to approve a small pay raise built into the budget this year.

Greiner next announced the Faculty Excellence Award winner for 2018-19, Dr. Angela M. Rehbein. Rehbein is a resident of the Warwood neighborhood of Wheeling. An associate professor of English, she teaches classes in composition, British literature, and world literature. She joined WLU in 2011.

He then presented the Faculty Excellence in Service Award for 2018-19 to Dr. Darrin M. Cox and the Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award for 2018-19 to Dr. Anna Stephan-Robinson.

Cox joined the faculty at West Liberty University in 2008 and is a professor of history and also the history coordinator for social sciences. He primarily teaches the European component of the history major, ranging from ancient history to the history of the British Empire. Additionally, Cox arranges internships for students at local institutions. He is a resident of Wheeling.

Stephan-Robinson is an associate professor of music theory and ear training in the Department of Music and Theater. She joined WLU faculty in 2011 and teaches music theory, ear training, form and analysis, and private horn lessons at West Liberty University and resides in Warwood.

Provost Brian Crawford then took the podium and introduced new faculty members who joined campus recently. Chief Human Resource Officer Diana Harto also introduced all new employees.

Faculty promotions were next and included 10 changes in rank. Earning assistant professor status was Margaret Boyce, nursing.

Associate professor promotions included: Sarah Davis, visual communication design; Dr. Tifani Fletcher, psychology; Dr. W. Scott Hanna, English; Dr. Ryan Koenig, exercise physiology; Dr. Chad Kuhns, mathematics and Dr. Jon Serra, chemistry.

Full professor status was achieved by Dr. Greg Chase, economics and finance; Dr. Dominque Hoche, English; and Dr. Vishakha Maskey, management and economics.

Faculty tenure awards include: Dr. Greg Chase, Dr. Ryan Koenig and Dr. Jon Serra.

Years of Service Awards also were distributed to employees reaching milestone years from 10 years to 30 years. Twenty-five-year employees receive a commemorative medal signifying the accomplishment.

10 Year

• Michael L. Aulick – Associate Professor of Theater
• Jenna L. Cook – Instructor of Mathematics
• Craig M. Crow – Associate Professor of Management
• Susan E. Forrester – Academic Laboratory Instructing Assistant
• Shannon D. Halicki – Associate Professor of French/Spanish
• Bruce A. Jochum – Supervisor Athletic Facilities Maintenance
• Moonjung Kang – Associate Professor of Graphic Design
• Patrick R. Kerns – HVAC Technician
• Ryan P. McCullough – Associate Professor of Communications
• Thomas A. Michaud – Dean, School of Professional Studies
• Catherine Monteroso – Interim Dean, College of Education
• Kenneth A. Sexton – Assistant Professor of Education
• Sarah E. Schimmel – Associate Professor of Special Education
• Mihaela A. Szabo – Director of International Student Enrollment
• Tasha M. Taylor – Student Records Assistant
• Lisa A. Witzberger – Director of Counseling Services
• Mary Ann Yandrich – Academic Laboratory Instructing Assistant
• Matthew J. Zdilla – Associate Professor of Biology 

15 Year

• Michael T. Blackwell – Instructor of Accounting
• Teresa J. Faykus – Professor of Nursing
• Peter Staffel – Professor of English
• Amy R. Whipkey – Financial Aid Counselor

20 Year

• Dreama L. Bush – Administrative Secretary
• Brian L. Crawford – Provost
• James A. Haizlett – Associate Professor of Art
• Deborah A. Heinzeroth – Accounting Assisting/Payables
• Michele R. Sweeney – Professor of Dental Hygiene
• Samuel M. Turrentine – Professor of Business Law
• Robert S. Wise – Database Specialist
• Micahlene R. Zaleski – Accounting Assistant/Receivables

25 Year

• Herb P. Minch – Head Athletic Trainer/Softball Coach
• William C. Wagener – Program Director, MLS
• Edward C. Wolf – Library Tech Assistant

30 Year

• Christian H. Lee – Associate Professor of Communication
• Rhonda J. McCullough – Admissions, Transfer Counselor
• Alan R. Ramsey – Library Tech Assistant
• Anthony E. Salatino – Health and Safety Specialist
• Margaret J. Six – Professor of Dental Hygiene