WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 27, 2019 — Geography and Planning students at West Liberty University recently had a chance to learn about rural economic development as they participated in a workshop organized by WVU Extension Service Regional Coordinator Norm Schwertfeger.
Schwertfeger, who also is a WLU alumnus, works with a variety of community based extension agents throughout the seven counties in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia as he supports community leaders, local government officials, educators, senior citizens and youth to improve economic and community development in the region.
“I was grateful to Norm for allowing our students this chance to take part in hands-on exercises involving strategies for rural economic development. This kind of experience is invaluable for them,” said Dr. Robert Kruse, WLU professor of Geography in the College of Liberal Arts who has been with the University since 2005.
The workshop was held at the Brooke County Library and focused on issues currently being addressed in coursework and internships of the WLU Geography and Planning students. Students learned about grassroots economic development and government outreach.
The students also heard from two other local experts in the field: M.E. Yancosek Gamble, chair of the Department of Communication and Media Arts at Bethany College and Joan Simmeth, a Vista volunteer with the WVU Extension Service.
The Geography and Planning major is housed in the College of Liberal Arts and attracts students interested in working in government, community development and other fields relating to land use and economic development, urban and regional planning, and positions in local government and organizations.
The curriculum includes a required internship in which students apply concepts of geography and planning beyond the classroom.
For more information, please contact Professor Kruse at rkruse@westliberty.edu.