WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Aug. 24, 2016 – West Liberty University’s President Dr. Stephen Greiner presided over his first Opening Convocation today and offered a vision for the future. The event took place in Kelly Theatre at noon.
Greiner began with reporting on the state of the university and his vision for the future. Referring to his 43 years in higher education, where he began as a professor, he said, “West Liberty University has been the most rewarding experience I’ve had. I just wonder what took me so long to get here.”
Greiner began as president last January and he thanked employees and students for reaching out to him as he settled into his new role, stressing how important it is to continue these meaningful conversations.
He took a moment to detail positive changes at the WLU Foundation which includes the hiring of a full time director and a stronger focus on fundraising. He then talked about the need for better student housing and the summer acquisition of additional student housing, which includes a residential house and six modern cabins, located near the Gary E. West Event Center.
He next mentioned two priorities. The first was to encourage all employees to join him in taking the “It’s On Us” national pledge to help keep women and men safe from sexual assault. Greiner then stated his second priority was to find a way to offer employee raises which are long overdue, saying that “raises must be sought.”
He then revealed his vision to be a premiere regional university in the state of West Virginia by:
- Supporting excellence in academics in a wide range of disciplines
- Expanding the focus of online education
- Increasing engagement with alumni and community
- Partnering with region and community to engage in economic and social development
- Expanding philanthropic and support efforts
- Strengthening student life, athletics, recreational and creative arts programs
- Supporting recruitment and retention
- Creatively, positively and consistently telling the WLU story
- Ensuring that WLU has the infrastructure and facilities, student housing and information technology necessary
Greiner then announced faculty and staff excellence award winners for 2015-16:
- Excellence in Professional Activity Award, Dr. Zachary J. Loughman, associate professor of biology (zoology/ecology)
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Joseph A. Horzempa, assistant professor of biology
- Classified Staff Excellence in Service Award, Mary Ann Edwards, administrative secretary in the President’s Office
Provost Brian Crawford next introduced the new faculty and employees to the campus community. New faculty include:
- Carole Adams, visiting associate professor of business
- Corey Call, assistant professor of criminal justice
- Kristie Meintel, clinical instructor of physician assistant studies
- Jason Metz, assistant professor of exercise physiology
- Tonda Stauffer, assistant professor of physician assistant studies
- Erin Thornburg, instructor of mathematics
- Kylie Updegraff, assistant professor of nursing
New staff includes:
- Melanie Cheek, athletic trainer
- Cynthia Galloway, financial aid counselor
- Lucy Kefauver, director of distance education
- Kimberly Lemley, senior accountant
- Roberta Linger, vice president of finance and administration
- Connie McVicar, student records assistant, PA program
- Laura Musilli, senior accountant
- Brian Schamp, human resources generalist senior
Provost Crawford then awarded tenure to the following: Martyna Matusiak, art; Dr. A. Waller Hastings, English; Dr. Douglas Swartz, chemistry; Dr. Joseph Horzempa, Dr. Karen Kettler and Dr. Zachary Loughman, biology; Dr. Sylvia Hawranick-Senften, social work; Dr. Cathy Monteroso, physical education and Dr. Li-Wei Peng, education.
Years of Service Awards also were distributed to employees reaching significant years of service from 10 years to 40 years.
Thirty-five years of service was achieved by three employees, Thomas Hepburn, landscape worker; Brenda King, associate dean of Enrollment Services and Meta Lasch, assistant professor of Theater. Thirty-years was reached by Rhonda Noble, professor of physical education. Special 25-year medallions were presented to Janet Kimble, administrative secretary senior and Dr. Roger Seeber, professor of biology.
Fifteen year awards were presented to Dr. William Baronak, professor of journalism and communications; Courtney Huffman, associate professor of dental hygiene and Ann Rose, office of E-Learning and 10-year awards were presented to Theresa Gretchen, executive producer WLTV 14; Dr. Zachary Loughman, associate professor of biology; Dr. Tammy McClain, associate professor of psychology; Nicole Naegele, instructor of English; Sara Sweeney, Highlands Center campus manager and Michael Makris, campus police officer.
For more information on WLU, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.