WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Aug. 23, 2017 — West Liberty University’s President Dr. Stephen Greiner presided at Opening Convocation today at noon. The event took place in Kelly Theatre and offered staff and faculty an opportunity to hear an update on the University and his vision.
He began by stating, “West Liberty University is in a much different place than when I arrived in January 2016. The turn-around is amazing and when people comment on our progress, I don’t take credit because I know that it’s a team effort.”
When Greiner took over as president, there was a budget deficit and issues that caused some concern. However, at the close of the 2017 fiscal year this past July 1, WLU finished with a balanced budget, according to Vice President of Finance and Administration Roberta Linger. Additionally, enrollment is up overall by 7 percent and first time freshman enrollment is up 14 percent, according to Vice President of Student Services/Registrar Scott Cook.
Excellence award winners (from left) Dr. Aaron Harper, Dr. Steve Criniti and Travis Hinkle.
President Greiner then took time to thank employees for their roles in the success. He also described campus improvements completed over the summer which includes a major improvement in Wi-Fi and technology, dorm updates resulting in more single dorm rooms, campus dining improvements and additional employee parking.
Greiner also mentioned plans for the future that include an increase in graduate programs, robust online learning options, enhancement of fundraising and a continued focus on campus improvements.
President Greiner’s next announcement brought a round of applause as he revealed that he is recommending to the Board of Governors later today that all employees receive a 2 percent pay raise. He closed by referring to his 43 years in higher education and 16 years as a college or university president, saying that “because of WLU, and each and every one of you employees, I’m having more fun than ever in my professional career.”
Greiner went on to announce the faculty and staff excellence award winners for 2016-17:
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Steve Criniti (English)
- Classified Staff Excellence in Service Award, Travis P. Hinkle (Admissions)
- Excellence in Professional Activity Award, Dr. Aaron Harper (Philosophy)
Faculty earning tenure include (from left) Angela Rehbein, Dominique Hoche, Anna Stephan-Robinson, Lihua Chen, Craig Crow and Leann DiAndreth-Elkins. (Keith Bell also was tenured but unavailable for the photo.)
Provost Brian Crawford next introduced new faculty, including both January 2017 and fall 2017 hires.
January hires:
- Gayle Jesse – Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems
- Deanna Schmitt – Assistant Professor of Biology
Fall hires:
- Margaret Boyce – Instructor of Nursing
- Rickard Briggs – Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship
- Brian Fitzpatrick – Instructor of Political Science
- John Float – Instructor of Mathematics
- Mitch Greco – Visiting Instructor of Music
- Katie Hodges – Visiting Instructor of English
- Angela Icard – Assistant Professor of Reading
- Ryan Keeling – Instructor of Music and Director of Choral Activities
- Gerard NeCastro – Professor of English and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts
Shown with their medals signifying 25 years of service are Mary Ann Edwards, Amy Balog and Professor Mike Marshall.
- Stephen Richards – Associate Professor of Special Education
- Irene van Riper – Assistant Professor of Special Education
- Sherry Rocchio – Instructor of Business
- Felipe Rojas – Assistant Professor of Foreign Languages
- Melesa Swartz – Instructor of Mathematics
- Amanda Tennant – Assistant Professor of English and Director of the Writing Center
- Kimberly Underwood – Assistant Professor of Sociology
- Eveldora Wheeler – Assistant Professor of Social Work
- Meleesa Wohleber – Assistant Professor of Athletic Training
- James Wood – Assistant Professor of Biology
Two professors, though not new, returned to WLU after an absence:
- Jean Bailey – Visiting Associate Professor of Marketing
- Jody Seabright – Visiting Assistant Professor of Nursing
Faculty promotions also were announced and includes:
- Steve Criniti to Professor of English
- Tammy McClain to Professor of Psychology
- Fuhua Chen to Associate Professor of Mathematics
- Lihua Chen to Associate Professor of Management
- Ryan McCullough to Associate Professor of Communications
- Natalia Omelchenko to Associate Professor of Biology
- Miriam Roth-Douglas to Associate Professor of Education
Faculty awarded tenure includes:
- Keith Bell
- Lihua Chen
- Craig Crow
- Leann DiAndreth-Elkins
- Dominique Hoche
- Angela Rehbein
- Anna Stephan-Robinson
Years of Service Awards also were distributed to employees reaching milestones from 10 years to 40 years, with 25-year employees receiving a commemorative medal signifying the accomplishment.
10 Year: James E. Best – Trade Specialist Lead I, Robert “Brad” Forshey – Defensive Line Coach, Daniel W. Hopkins – Offensive Line Coach, Jeremy S. Larance – Associate Professor of English, Bonnie L. Porter – Clinical Laboratory Science Lecturer, Michelle L. Stack – Office Administrator Senior, Dawn S. Swiger – Administrative Secretary
15 Year: James T. Clark – Chief Technology Officer, Linda M. Cowan – Professor of Music, Brian D. Fencl – Associate Professor of Art, Melinda S. Kreisberg – Professor of Biology, Gerald K. Lee – Professor of Piano, Mohamed M. Youssef – Professor of Physics
20 Year: Robert Kreisberg – Professor of Biology, Robert A. Villamagna – Assistant Professor of Art
25 Year: Amy S. Balog – Certification Analyst, Mary Ann Edwards – Executive Secretary to the President, Michael J. Marshall – Professor of Psychology
30 Year: Robert “Alan” Beck – Trade Specialist II
35 Year: David W. Wright – Associate Professor of Management
40 Year: Sylvia “Beth” Barr – Payroll Representative Senior
For more information on WLU, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.
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