WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Aug. 29, 2018 — West Liberty University held its Opening Convocation and General Faculty Meeting today at noon in Kelly Theatre. Both faculty and staff attended the convocation.
President Stephen Greiner began the event by calling on Vice President of Enrollment Scott Cook, who shared his enrollment outlook with the audience. Cook reported that for four semesters in a row, enrollment has been up.
“We’re happy to see that both enrollment and housing numbers are up. Single room options, which have increased over the summer, are proving very popular with students, plus the growth in graduate programs is helpful,” said Greiner. “We will continue to excel as we always have.”
Greiner went on to point to the good financial news at the university beginning with a balanced budget at the close of last fiscal year. He also explained the construction and renovation that was completed over the summer.
“I’m especially pleased that the first floor of historic Shotwell Hall is now open and occupied by our growing International Office,” he said. Shotwell is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was closed at the start of Greiner’s term in January 2016 due to needed repairs.
Greiner also reminded employees that the Board of Governors approved a salary increase pool equal to three percent beginning in October, which will allow WLU to reward eligible employees with a small raise.
He then announced that the HEPC approved the bond proposal that will allow WLU to renovate Arnett Hall and complete a partial build-out of the fourth floor of Campbell Hall of Health Sciences to allow for an increase of clinical space and offices.
Greiner next revealed the Faculty Excellence Award winner for 2017-18, which is Craig M. Crow, assistant professor of management at the Gary E. West College of Business. Crow receives an etched glass trophy and a check for $500.
Provost Brian Crawford then took the podium and introduced the 25 new faculty members who joined campus recently. Chief Human Resource Officer Diana Harto also introduced all new employees.
Faculty promotions were next on the program and include one professor that achieved assistant status, six professors who achieved associate status and four who earned full professor status.
Earning assistant status is James Crumbacher in the Gary E. West College of Business.
Associate professor promotions include: Jennifer Childers and William Childers in the College of Sciences; Aaron Harper in the College of Liberal Arts; and David Hanna, Kathleen Wack and Rick West in the College of Education and Human Performance.
Full professor status was achieved by Darrin Cox and Jeremy Larance in the College of Liberal Arts; and Aaron Huffman and Cathy Monteroso in the College of Education and Human Performance.
Faculty tenure awards were next presented and include: Fuhua Chen, College of Sciences; Aaron Harper, College of Liberal Arts; and Miriam Roth-Douglas and Sarah Schimmel, College of Education and Human Performance.
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
- Kelly Y. Baker – Administrative Secretary Senior
- Tammie D. Beagle – Assistant Professor of Journalism
- Cheryl C. Bennington – Director of Health Services
- John L. Best – Trades Specialist II
- Darrin M. Cox – Professor of History
- Stephen F. Criniti – Professor of English
- James E. Crumbacher – Assistant Professor of Accounting
- William S. Hanna – Assistant Professor of English
- Lourdes A. Karas – Director, Center for Arts and Education
- Jason W. Koegler – Vice President of Institutional Advancement
- Vishakha Maskey – Associate Professor of Management & Economics
- Rebecca Meacham – Assistant Professor of Psychology
- Corey W. Reigel – Associate Professor of History
- Fred Rossell – Instructor of Accounting
15 Year
- Mark E. Pissos – Instructor of Computer Information Systems
- Tammi L. Secrist – Executive Director of Marketing and Special Events
- Marcella T. Snyder – Executive Director of Housing & Student Life
20 Year
- David W. DeWitt – Academic Laboratory Instructing Assistant
- Rebecca R. McCullough – Database Administrator Senior
- Ronald Witt – Executive Director of Alumni and Community Relations
25 Year
- James L. Ullom – Athletic Director
30 Year
- Robin A. Brunner – Office Administrator
- Donna J. Lukich – Professor of Nursing
- Joseph R. Olejasz – Campus Police Officer
- Sherri A. Mason – Financial Reporting Manager