August 29, 2025

President’s August Update

Dear Wheeling University Community,

On Monday, August 18, the Opening Session for all faculty and staff began with Mass in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph celebrated by Father David Griffin, Director of Campus Ministry, and Father Walter Jagela, Board of Trustees Member.

Following Mass, faculty and staff gathered in Troy Theater and heard opening remarks from David Hendrickson, Board of Trustees Chair, and Father Walter Jagela. University updates were provided by Dr. Dianna M. Vargo. Afterwards, all faculty and staff enjoyed brunch prepared by the Wheeling University Dining Services. Alumni also attended opening events.

On Wednesday, August 20, faculty and staff participated in community service in honor of Father James O’Brien, S.J., a long-time educator at Wheeling University. He organized the first Appalachian Experience Student Club to help those in need in southern West Virginia.

Faculty and staff plan to engage in a book study about service. They will read the book, The Go-Giver, by Bob Burg and John David Mann.

Academics

The academic year is under way, and the campus is alive once again. 

The University welcomed 12 full-time faculty members. The new members include:  

Dr. Hugo Andreini, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Salim Caliskan, Chemistry/Engineering

Kristy Dobson, Nursing

Brianna Hendershot, Exercise Science

Christina Jacobs, Nursing

Kevin Kettler, Criminal Justice

Dr. Jomana Papillo, Business

MarQuese Liddle, English

Dr. Hannah Reichert, Athletic Training and Exercise Science

Shawna Safreed, Education

Karen Spindler, Business

Ryan Zelinski, Exercise Science

Admissions

Overall enrollment has increased nearly 10 percent for the 2025-2026 academic year. More than 300 new students were enrolled. You can read more byclicking here.

Advancement/Alumni

During Opening Week, Amy Pinkerton, Instructional Designer at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, presented the “Pros and Cons of Teaching and Learning with Generative AI” to all faculty. Ms. Pinkerton is an alumna from the Class of 2013.

Homecoming and Family Weekend is October 3-5. The schedule of events and registration information can be foundhere. 

Athletics

The Wheeling University athletic teams began various competitions this week. To view the full schedule of athletic events, or to read more about our athletes and teams,click here.

Campus Ministry

The Fall 2025 schedule for Masses in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph has changed. Daily Mass begins at 12:10 p.m. Sunday Masses are scheduled for 11a.m. and 7 p.m.

Physical Plant

The Physical Plant staff spent August preparing for students.

Student Affairs

During Welcome Weekend for new students, the Office of Student Affairs hosted a Smores Night on Donahue Lawn, a Luau during Saturday’s dinner, and a spirited evening of Bingo.

As always, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Wheeling University Community for your support.

Sincerely,

Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.

President

Community Service by Faculty, Staff, and Students