WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Aug. 26, 2015 – West Liberty University Interim President Dr. John P. McCullough presided at the annual Opening Convocation and general faculty meeting held at noon today in Kelly Theatre.
McCullough began with a state of the University summary.
“The state of the University is stable and resting upon a strong foundation,” McCullough began. “The most important component of the foundation of West Liberty can be found in the resilience, the grit of the outstanding faculty and staff who represent this fine school and their commitment to providing a quality educational experience for our students.”
“As long as our focus remains upon our students and the total student experience at West Liberty, which we heavily promote, we’ll get where we need to be,” he continued, as he thanked faculty, staff and administrators for their work and dedication, beginning with the Housing and Residence Life staff which just completed a successful move-in weekend.
McCullough also took a moment to thank the faculty and staff serving on the Presidential Search Committee and referred to the search process as both “energizing and reinvigorating.”
McCullough next invited the campus community to a 3 p.m., Sept. 2 campus update that will detail the search process and will explain “where we are at this time in the search.” It will be held in College Hall and be led by Search Committee Chairman Les DeFelice and Board of Governor’s Chairman George Couch.
Special awards also were distributed to the following employees:
- Excellence in Professional Activity Award for 2014-15, Dr. Matthew J. Zdilla, Associate Professor of Biology
- Excellence in Teaching Award for 2014-15, Dr. Karen A. Kettler, Assistant Professor of Biology
- Excellence in Service Award for 2014-15, Dr. Keith J. Bell, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
- Classified Staff Excellence in Service Award for 2014-15, Keith E. Kaczor, Trades Specialist
Provost Brian Crawford then introduced the new faculty and employees to the campus community.
New faculty include:
- Sarah Brammer, assistant professor and academic coordinator of Physician Assistant Studies Master Degree program
- William “Joe” Greathouse, assistant professor of biology
- Karen McClain, assistant professor of nursing
- Stephanie Meredith, assistant professor of dental hygiene
- Amy Spurrier, assistant professor of nursing
- Robert Wetzel, assistant professor of Physician Assistant Studies Master Degree program.
New staff include:
- Jeffrey Campbell, head men’s and women’s track and cross country coach
- Emily Fisher, director of accounting
- Courtney Forsch, data manager
- Kateryna Forynna, developmental advising specialist
- Kimberly Fox, housing area manager
- Richard Gardner, landscape worker
- Katrina Hyde, director of purchasing
- Mitchell Moon, records assistant II
- Savannah Moore, administrative secretary at Highlands Center campus
- Kacie Murray, regional admissions representative
- Mitch Smith, head wrestling coach
Crawford then announced faculty promotions for 2015 – 2016 academic year. Awarded tenure were Michael Aulick, theatre; Dr. Teresa Faykus, nursing; Dr. Shannon Halicki, foreign languages; Dr. Aaron Huffman, physical education; Moonjung Kang, art; Dr. Matthew Zdilla, biology and physician assistant studies.
Years of Service Awards also were distributed to employees reaching significant years of service from 10 years to 40 years. Forty years of service was achieved by one employee, Jo Ann Angius, a senior administrative secretary in the College of Arts and Communication.
Special 25-year medallions were presented to Scott Cook, vice president of student services, Beth Salatino, senior financial aid counselor and Rhonda Tysk, senior admissions counselor.
For more information on WLU, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.