The inaugural class of 23 students enrolled in the new Zoo Science major, and their parents, were welcomed at a special dinner held at the Oglebay Good Zoo recently. The students learned about the cooperation and effort that went into the creation and approval of the new science major.
The students also were presented with a special logo enhanced T-shirt uniform to wear during the time that they work at the actual zoo.
“What began about a year ago as a ‘wouldn’t it be great if…’ discussion has turned into an exciting new academic program at West Liberty University. Shortly after Dr. Joe Greathouse joined the science department at WLU, he, Dr. Zac Loughman, and Dr. Karen Kettler began talking about how exciting a collaborative program between West Liberty University and Oglebay Good Zoo could be,” explained Dr. Stephen Greiner, university president.
Standing near Good Zoo, from left (front row) Tessie Tokash, Trishell Riggle, Courtney Snyder, Sarah Spade, Tess Smith, Madison Huffman, Jordan Magnani, Destiny Fine, Amanda Theodoro, Riley Gibson and Devyn Ferguson, (back) CEO Wheeling Park Commission Stephen Hilliard, WLU President Dr. Stephen Greiner, WLU Provost Dr. Brian Crawford, Dr. Zac Loughman, Lauren Vargo, Dakotah Spencer, Darby LeMasters, Kevin Keane, Eli Henderson, Ashley Reynolds, Chelsey Webb, Michaela Colvin, Brynn Kloeppner, Whitney Waldron, Jaclyn Schweizer, Amanda Alig, Wheeling Park Commission VP Rod Haley, Dr. Karen Kettler, WLU Dean of College of Sciences Dr. Robert Kreisberg and Dr. Joe Greathouse
After several months of groundwork and discussion, these ideas were embraced by Dr. Robert Kreisberg, Dean of the College of Sciences at West Liberty University, and agreed on by Dr. Greiner and Stephen Hilliard, president and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission.
The entire team worked together to successfully develop the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a zoo science major, one of only four in the country.
Classes are conducted at West Liberty University, as well as at the Oglebay Good Zoo and other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.
Students learn from zoo professionals and are exposed to a variety of animal care facilities including small and large zoos and aquariums, conservation centers, nature centers, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and fish hatcheries.
President Greiner, President Hilliard, major coordinator, Dr. Loughman and Oglebay Good Zoo director, Dr. Greathouse, as well as Dr. Karen Kettler, Co-Chair of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department, all addressed the group.
The highlight of the evening was when the students had the opportunity to meet some of the species that they will assist in the care of as part of the major including a baby sloth and serval kitten!
The College of Sciences includes the departments of Health Sciences, Natural Science and Mathematics and the Physician Assistant master’s program.
For complete information on the new zoo science major, please email zoosci@westliberty.edu. Or contact zoo science coordinator Dr. Zachary Loughman at 304-336-8923.
Oglebay Resort, located in Wheeling, West Virginia, offers 1,700 acres of year round recreational opportunities and excellent overnight accommodations. For additional information on the Good Zoo and Oglebay Resort visit oglebay-resort.com.
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