WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 4, 2021 — West Liberty University students recently had a chance to learn from the pros as they visited with Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott and Herb Faulkenberry, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center.
“We are grateful to Glenn and Herb for taking time to generously share their career experiences with West Liberty University students. They proved an invaluable resource for our Geography and Planning majors,” said Dr. Robert Kruse, professor of Geography in the College of Liberal Arts.
The students who met with the mayor and vice president are enrolled in the Geography and Planning program.
“This was a chance for real life lessons that offer strong academic learning. The students enjoyed the opportunity to discuss local geographical issues with two experts in the Wheeling area,” added Kruse, who has been a WLU faculty member since 2005.
Also, students in Seminar in Urban and Rural Geography (GEO 481) had the exciting opportunity to discuss community development and urban revitalization with Mayor Glenn Elliott.
During the meeting, the mayor shared his views on urban geographies, the skills that future professionals in geography and planning will need, and his vision for the future of Wheeling.
Students in Geographies of World Tourism (GEO 312) met with Herb Faulkenberry at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center, just a few miles south of WLU’s campus.
During a tour of the park facility, Faulkenberry shared his vast experience in the ever-evolving process of resort marketing, according to Kruse.
The Geography and Planning program at West Liberty University offers students a well-rounded curriculum in physical and human geography, Geographic Information Systems, and land use and community planning. Other faculty in the program include Aron Massey, assistant professor of Geography.
Majoring in Geography and Planning prepares students for jobs 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 visit westliberty.edu/geography or contact Kruse at rkruse@westliberty.edu.