The Gary E. West College of Business recently hosted representatives of four major western Pennsylvania community college systems to the campus of West Liberty University.
Dean Loren A. Wenzel explained, “We’re trying to become better known to these four community colleges – in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Westmoreland counties – with which WLU has articulation agreements. They represent some 50,000 students and it is part of our comprehensive recruiting strategy to expose them to all West Liberty University has to offer. We’d like to have their students transfer here to finish their degrees.”
He added that WLU maintains excellent working relationships with the community colleges of the region. He hopes to raise the profile of the West College of Business to the western Pennsylvania colleges and to expand recruitment efforts further into the college systems of Maryland, eastern Pennsylvania, Virginia and beyond. The schools represent a student population of well over 100,000, Wenzel noted.
The transfer counselors were treated to a showing of the new advertisement featuring WLU graduate and country music star Brad Paisley, a campus tour, lunch and a chance to hear from West College of Business and university officials about the exciting academic programs currently offered and under development.
John Bonassi, senior recruiting consultant and adjunct instructor at the West College of Business, added, “Our articulation agreements with the Pennsylvania institutions make transferring to WLU as seamless – and painless – as possible. We look at the community colleges as our partners.”
In addition to Wenzel and Bonassi, the visiting counselors heard from Prof. Annette McKain Godown, Prof. John Aulerich and academic advisor and placement coordinator Brianne Poilek.
Dean Wenzel told them that WLU offers many opportunities to the community college students, whether they plan to major in business or any other major field of study. He pointed out that WLU also is an excellent place to complete a degree in the sciences, education, dental hygiene, the arts or communication.
The West College of Business currently is revamping its curriculum, he explained, with an eye to the future. “We are designing our curriculum to reflect the skills, knowledge and competency that will be needed in the business environment in the next 10 years,” he said.
“We’re taking a scientific approach to curriculum development. That includes searching for degrees that will be endorsed by professional accreditation agencies, like internal auditors and certified financial planners.”
He added that part of WLU’s goal of innovative degree offerings includes an international Masters in Business Administration degree, which currently is being developed.
Prof. Aulerich explained how WLU business students are getting hands-on training in the areas of finance and investing. A planned new interactive financial trading center in Main Hall will enhance that learning experience, as will additional scholarships designated by college benefactor Gary E. West.
Bonassi noted that WLU President Robin C. Capehart’s goal of teaching entrepreneurship campuswide already is part of the West College of Business, where students learn creative problem-solving, feasibility and how to create business plans.
Bonassi said job placement also is a priority at the college, and Poilek explained that efforts include developing a database for students and potential employers. She coordinates on-campus recruitment visits and, as the advisor to business students, helps them with resumes and mock interviews to prepare for the job search process.
Prof. Godown explained to the visiting counselors how the West College of Business and West Liberty University websites can aid in advising the community college students on transfer requirements. She said, “We would like for students in the community colleges in the Ohio Valley and beyond to see West Liberty as a regional university just an hour or so away from home where a quality education is a good value.”