WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University celebrated the achievements of fourteen graduates during the commencement ceremony for the University’s Physician Assistant Program on Friday, June 12 in WLU’s Kelly Theater.
The ceremony marked the graduation of the program’s 13th class and recognized a new cohort of healthcare professionals prepared to serve patients and communities throughout the region and beyond.
Graduates were welcomed by Program Director Sarah Brammer, MSPAS, PA-C, and received greetings from WLU President Dr. Tim Borchers and Board of Governors member Rich Lucas. Dr. Cathy Monteroso, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented the candidates for degrees.
The keynote address was delivered by Mara Wright-Sutphin, MSPAS, PA-C, a 2016 graduate of West Liberty University’s Physician Assistant Program. Sutphin serves as Medical Director for a rural federally qualified health center and has held leadership roles at both the state and national levels within the physician assistant profession.
“The role you will play in your communities is critically important and I applaud you for the service you will provide,” said Borchers. “PAs are an important component in today’s team-based approach to healthcare. You will increase access to quality health care for many populations and communities.”
“Remember your why… Remember the desire to help. Remember the privilege of caring for others. Remember that your work matters and what you are doing is making a difference,” said Wright-Sutphin.
The ceremony also included recognition of Pi Alpha Award honorees. Amanda Cummins, MSPAS, PA-C, was recognized as an Honorary Inductee for her lifelong dedication to service and medical outreach efforts supporting underserved communities. Margaret (Peggy) Sims, MSPAS, PA-C, received Faculty Inductee honors for her commitment to PA education, student mentorship, and fostering scholarly achievement. Graduating class inductees included Jillian Iams, recognized for her leadership and compassionate patient care, and Cierra Geho, honored for their academic excellence, professionalism, leadership, and scholarly achievement.
The ceremony featured the presentation of the Class of 2026 video and the recitation of the Physician Assistant Professional Oath.
Additionally, the Class of 2026 achieved a significant scholarly milestone, with all 14 graduates becoming published authors through two peer-reviewed journal articles. Seven students contributed to an article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Associates (JAAPA) titled Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Diagnostic Challenges and Current Management, while seven students contributed to an article published in the JBJS Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants (JOPA) titled 3D-Printed Orthoses vs. Conventional Immobilization Methods for Pediatric Distal Radius Fractures.
Members of the Class of 2026 included:
- Haley Michele Carter, Wheeling, W.Va.
- Cierra Peyton Geho, Morgantown, W.Va.
- Burke Allen Glover, Wheeling, W.Va.
- Steven Ray Hardin, Uniontown, Pa.
- Alexis Breanne Hare, Elkins, W.Va.
- Jillian RaeEllen Iams, Moundsville, W.Va.
- Oliver Louis Marra, Wheeling, W.Va.
- Emily Taylor Matteson, Wellsburg, W.Va.
- Jonathan Larry Odom, Mobile, Ala.
- Joel Liju Panicker, Ewa Beach, Hawaii
- Faith Jacqueline Pauil, Wheeling, W.Va.
- Makaela Ann Quinn, Parkersburg, W.Va.
- Corinne Renae Vincent, Wheeling, W.Va.
- Abigail Knudsen Wilcock, Tucson, Ariz.
A reception honoring the graduates and their families followed the ceremony in The Nutting Gallery.
About the West Liberty University Physician Assistant Program
West Liberty University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program prepares students to be integral members of a collaborative healthcare team. Through its commitment to individualized education, the program develops compassionate and competent professionals who provide empathetic care to all patient populations within our community.
About West Liberty University
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
