A bright future ahead for West Liberty
AWARDED — Shown with their medals signifying 25 years of service are, from left, Mary Ann Edwards, Amy Balog and Mike Marshall. They were among those recognized during West Liberty University’s opening convocation, held Wednesday. -- Contributed
WLU EXCELLENCE — Those received West Liberty University’s Excellence Award are, from left, Aaron Harper, Steve Criniti and Travis Hinkle. The awards were presented Wednesday during the university’s opening convocation. -- Contributed
AWARDED — Shown with their medals signifying 25 years of service are, from left, Mary Ann Edwards, Amy Balog and Mike Marshall. They were among those recognized during West Liberty University’s opening convocation, held Wednesday. -- Contributed
WLU EXCELLENCE — Those received West Liberty University’s Excellence Award are, from left, Aaron Harper, Steve Criniti and Travis Hinkle. The awards were presented Wednesday during the university’s opening convocation. -- Contributed
WEST LIBERTY -- West Liberty University's President Stephen Greiner presided at Opening Convocation Wednesday, offering staff and faculty an opportunity to hear an update on the university and his vision.
"West Liberty University is in a much different place than when I arrived in January 2016," Greiner said. "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 on June 30, 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.
Greiner took time to thank employees for their roles in the success. He also described campus improvements completed over the summer, which includes upgrades to 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, online learning options, enhancement of fundraising and a continued focus on campus improvements.
Greiner also revealed his recommendation to the Board of Governors 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, Steve Criniti (English)
• Classified Staff Excellence in Service Award, Travis P. Hinkle (Admissions)
• Excellence in Professional Activity Award, Aaron Harper (Philosophy)
Faculty earning tenure include Angela Rehbein, Dominique Hoche, Anna Stephan-Robinson, Lihua Chen, Craig Crow, Leann DiAndreth-Elkins and Keith Bel
• Provost Brian Crawford next introduced new faculty, including Gayle Jesse, assistant professor of computer information systems; Deanna Schmitt, assistant professor of biology; 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; 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; and James Wood, assistant professor of biology.
Two professors, though not new, returned to WLU after an absence: Jean Bailey, visiting associate professor of marketing and Jody Seabright, visiting assistant professor of nursing.
Faculty awarded tenure includes: Keith Bell, Lihua Chen, Craig Crow, Leann DiAndreth-Elkins, Dominique Hoche, Angela Rehbein and 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, and 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, and Mohamed M. Youssef, professor of physics
• 20 Year: Robert Kreisberg, professor of biology, and Robert A. Villamagna, assistant professor of art.
• 25 Year: Amy S. Balog, certification analyst, Mary Ann Edwards, executive secretary to the president, and 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