West Liberty, W.Va., January 8, 2024—West Liberty University faculty and staff met to kick off the new academic semester on Thursday, January 4 with the University Welcome presentation and faculty/staff professional development sessions.

“It’s exciting to see the energy on campus as we start a new term. We’ve accomplished much in the fall semester and have much to look forward to this spring,” said Dr. Tim Borchers, President of West Liberty University.

The University Welcome address featured Cabinet members providing updates from their areas. Among the highlights:

• Beginning with the Fall 2024 semester, the Tuition-Free Toppers program will cover tuition costs for new in-state students who are Pell eligible and meet additional requirements, announced Katie Cooper, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
• Cooper also announced that additional telehealth mental health counseling services will be available for students beginning this spring.
• A new Student Success Center has opened in the library, with a grand opening scheduled for later this spring.
• The Aviation Pilot Training program offered with Marshall University received approval from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission last month.
• The Dual Enrollment pathways program had enrolled 305 high school students in college courses this past fall at Wheeling Park High School and John Marshall High School.
• New roofs and HVAC improvements are being made to several campus buildings thanks to funding provided last year by the state for deferred maintenance.
• Student-athletes finished the fall semester with a combined 3.13 GPA.
• The University’s Strategic Planning process is well underway and will continue into the spring semester.

Faculty Excellence Awards were presented to three West Liberty University faculty members at Thursday’s meeting. Dr. Vishakha Maskey was honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing her exceptional standards of teaching effectiveness, outstanding methods, and sustained commitment to education. Mr. Michael Aulick was acknowledged for Excellence in Service, highlighting his dedicated contributions to the university, community service, and active involvement in various organizations. Dr. Chelsea Roberston was recognized for Excellence in Professional Activity, celebrating her noteworthy publications, presentations, research, and leadership in professional organizations.

“These dedicated individuals embody the spirit of excellence and commitment to West Liberty University’s mission,” said Dr. Cathy Monteroso, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Inauguration for President Borchers is scheduled for Friday, April 5 at 2 p.m. on the university campus. Alumni and community members are welcome to attend. Events are being planned for the week surrounding the ceremony. Additional information will be available later this spring.

Enrollment at West Liberty this past fall was 2,329 students, up 5.4% over the previous year. Classes for the spring term begin Monday, January 8.

West Liberty University is West Virginia’s oldest public university, and it offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and 12 graduate programs, both online and on campus. Learn more at westliberty.edu.