WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 23, 2014 — Earning a college degree late in life is often a challenge, but for educator and West Liberty University alumna Gail Adams it led to winning results.

Adams recently was named 2015 West Virginia Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Department of Education. She joins alumna MaryLu Hutchins, the 2009 West Virginia Teacher of the Year, as recipient of this statewide honor.

In recognition of the achievement and the two alumnae’s exemplary work in the field of education, WLU presented them with its inaugural Outstanding Alumni Achievement Awards at halftime during the 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23 football game against West Virginia Wesleyan.

“I cannot adequately express my gratitude to West Liberty University for honoring me with this award. West Liberty represents all that comprises a quality institution of higher learning. From my first day on campus, I felt valued and respected by faculty, staff, and students. Being a 40-something student on campus, I never felt like I didn’t belong there,” said Adams.

Hutchins added,

“My strong background in education, beginning with the bachelor’s degree earned at WLU, continually influences my work with students. This firm foundation makes it possible to persist in my professional growth. I am very grateful for the caring WLU professors and staff members whose dedication to our profession still inspires me as a successful educator of my students.”

The awards were presented by President Robin C. Capehart and Director of Alumni Relations Shane Stack.

“Gail and MaryLu are great examples of how hard working our alumni are and the difference they make in our community. West Liberty University is proud of Gail and MaryLu and their success and offer them our sincere congratulations,” said Capehart.

Adams is a 10-year veteran teacher who received a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from West Liberty University in 2004. She earned her degree after working for some time in banking and being a stay-at-home mom.

As an English teacher, she earned her National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification for Adolescence through Young Adulthood in English.

She is a member of the Ohio County Schools Staff Development Council and Professional Development Schools Mentor Team for West Liberty University student teachers.

As a former assistant coach of Wheeling Park High School’s speech team, she helped secure seven West Virginia Interscholastic Forensic League state championships.

A resident of Wheeling, Adams is the mother of two adult children, Allison O’Konski Skibo and Christopher O’Konski. She is married to Bill Busick.

Currently director of student services for Ohio County Schools, Hutchins has served as an administrator at both Warwood and Bridge Street schools.

A graduate of West Liberty State College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Hutchins earned her master’s degree in instructional communication at West Virginia University – where she is presently working on her doctorate.

Hutchins also is the 2010 National Education Association West Virginia Teacher of the Year, 2006 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the 2005 West Virginia Science Teacher of the Year and a 2000 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award winner.

She is a program facilitator and mentor for the National Board for Professional Teaching Certification and serves on several local, regional and state education-related committees.

She is a member of the Health Sciences Technology Academy Local Governing Board, which promotes higher education opportunities for first generation college attendees and minority students.

Hutchins has worked as a teacher in residence at West Liberty State College and is lead facilitator for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards initiatives through the West Virginia Center for Professional Development, WLU and RESA VI.

A West Virginia Advanced Placement Council member, Hutchins also served as a member of former Gov. Joe Manchin’s 21st Century Jobs Cabinet.

A resident of Wheeling, Hutchins is married to fellow teacher and Wheeling Park High School track coach Russell Hutchins. They are the parents of three adult children, Karrie, Lauren and Aaron.

West Liberty University’s alumni office is housed in the Department of Institutional Advancement and offers alumni a variety of ways to stay involved in campus and the Hilltopper tradition. For complete information, please visit westliberty.edu/alumni or call 304-336-8888.

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