WVU Parkersburg

06/01/2026

Big congratulations to Engineering Technology students Garrett Flesher, Cody Harless and Zarik Westrick for becoming the first students in WVU Parkersburg’s Engineering Technology program to earn the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) credential. 🎉

The industry-recognized certification validates skills in SolidWorks, one of the most widely used 3D design programs in engineering and manufacturing. After spending the semester building 20 to 30 models and developing their design skills, these students successfully passed the rigorous certification exam.

An extra shoutout to Garrett Flesher, who earned the highest score in the group with a 92%.

This achievement not only demonstrates their hard work and dedication but also gives them a valuable credential that will stand out to employers across the Mid-Ohio Valley and beyond.

Way to go, Riverhawks! 💙💛

Read the full story here: https://www.wvup.edu/news/wvu-parkersburg-students-earn-first-solidworks-certification-in-engineering-technology-program/

05/30/2026

⛳ Thank you to everyone who joined us today for the 2nd Annual Drew Carpenter Memorial Golf Tournament.

Hosted by the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, this special event honors the memory of Drew Carpenter, a beloved former WVU Parkersburg mathematics professor whose impact on students, colleagues and our community continues to be felt today.

It was a beautiful day on the course filled with friendly competition, fellowship and a shared commitment to supporting future Riverhawks. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Drew Carpenter Memorial Scholarship Fund, helping students pursue their educational goals while carrying forward Drew’s legacy of learning and service.

We are grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, teams and supporters who helped make this event a success. Your generosity ensures that Drew’s passion for education will continue to make a difference in the lives of WVU Parkersburg students for years to come. 💙💛

05/28/2026

🚗 Learn to drive with confidence at WVU Parkersburg!

Space is still available for our June 9 Driver Training Program session. This hands-on course helps students build real-world driving skills and confidence behind the wheel while preparing to earn their WV Driver’s License.

Most classes take place in the driver’s seat, giving students plenty of behind-the-wheel experience in small group sessions.

📍 All sessions take place at the Innovation & Technology Center (ITC) in Vienna.

☀️ Summer Sessions
• June 9 – August 4, plus August 12
• June 17 – August 12

🍂 Fall Sessions
• August 19 – October 14
• October 20 – December 17

Thank you again to McClinton Auto Group for their generous vehicle donation to support this program and help future drivers gain valuable experience on the road. 💙💛

For schedules and additional information, visit wvup.edu/learn2drive.

05/28/2026

We are so excited to have Brooklyn joining us this fall 🎉

Brooklyn Miller, a PHS graduate who plans to study journalism and marketing, has been named the recipient of the Glenn Wilson Broadcast Journalism Scholarship. Link in comments.

05/28/2026

Congrats to Willis Hundley on being the first confirmed graduate of the STAND Program from WVU Parkersburg!!

Hundley is a member of the WV Laborers and plans to continue his education in the WVU-P Supervisory Management Program.

This is exactly why STAND was created: to provide a pathway and training for WV construction workers to become leaders on the jobsite.

STAND is a state-funded program that gives Building Trades apprentices the opportunity to pursue an associate degree from a WV community & technical college TUITION-FREE!

“Programs like STAND open doors for the working class who may not otherwise have the chance to pursue higher education while building their careers in construction,” said Hundley.

“It definitely made it more financially secure. That was the big win for me, was the financial security. Being able to get an associate’s degree without all the out-of-pocket costs.”

For more information on the STAND program log on to: www.cfWV.com/STAND

05/26/2026

At this spring’s commencement ceremony, WVU Parkersburg proudly presented two honorary degrees to individuals whose leadership, service and dedication have made a lasting impact on our institution and the Mid-Ohio Valley community. 💙💛

Rebecca Deem McGinnis was recognized for her decades of transformational community service and leadership, including her role as Chair of the WVU Parkersburg Foundation and her efforts in helping guide the creation of the Innovation and Technology Center through a historic $10 million gift. Her commitment to education, the arts and youth development has strengthened countless organizations and opportunities across our region.

Brian “Hack” Hackathorn was honored for his exceptional contributions to the Innovation and Technology Center and his unwavering commitment to WVU Parkersburg’s success. Through his leadership, craftsmanship and dedication to the facility, Brian has played an important role in creating a space that will expand workforce opportunities and support economic development throughout the region.

Congratulations to both recipients on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your continued impact on WVU Parkersburg and our community.

05/24/2026

WVU Parkersburg will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day as we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Katie Life on being named the 2026 Bernard P. McDonough Foundation Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year at WVU Parkersburg! 💙💛

Each year, this award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching, leadership, innovation and student success. Katie’s commitment to creating a supportive, engaging and student-centered learning environment has made a lasting impact on both her students and the institution as a whole.

Through innovative teaching strategies, mentorship, campus leadership and a dedication to continuous improvement, Katie exemplifies the very best of WVU Parkersburg faculty. Her passion for helping students succeed extends far beyond the classroom and continues to strengthen the Riverhawk community.

Congratulations Associate Professor Life on this well-deserved honor!

05/20/2026

Kids’ College is back at WVU Parkersburg this summer! ☀️🎨🔬

Give your child a summer full of creativity, hands-on learning and fun at Kids’ College — designed for children ages 8-12. Students can attend one, two or all three weeks and explore exciting classes like welding, cosmetology, photography, science lab, anime drawing, theater, farm technology and more. Lunch is provided each day!

📅 Week 1: June 15-18
📅 Week 2: June 22-25
📅 Week 3: June 29-July 2
⏰ Monday-Thursday | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Registration is $150 per child, per week, and spaces are still available — but class sizes are limited. Registration must be received by May 31.

👉 Visit wvup.edu/KidsCollege for an application and more information or call 304.424.8383.