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August 31, 2026

Wheeling University August Update

Dear Wheeling University Community,

On Monday, August 17, 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.

Following Mass, faculty and staff gathered in Troy Theater and heard opening remarks from Mr. David Hendrickson, Chair of the Board of Trustees. 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 the opening events.

Additionally, Mr. Robert Herron, City Manager, and Denny Magruder, Mayor of the City of Wheeling, joined the faculty and staff in Troy Theater. We are anchoring Wheeling University in the City of Wheeling.

On Tuesday, August 18, the faculty attended a service retreat at Schwertfeger Shelter and heard from Tom Breiding, Director of The Clifford M. Lewis, S.J. Appalachian Institute. His presentation focused on the Unbroken Circle: Songs of the West Virginia Coalfields. Later that day, faculty and staff performed community service around the city of Wheeling and on campus in honor of the late 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.

Academics

Students began classes on August 24 and have settled into campus life.

Dr. Ryan Lovell joined Wheeling University as the Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Lovell comes to Wheeling from Boston University. He oversees the Office of Academic Affairs, the Student Success Center, Disability Services, and the Bishop Hodges Library.

Students and faculty experienced two renovated classrooms when they returned for the Fall 2026 Semester. The University was able to upgrade the Acker Science Center classrooms with new furnishings and updated technology thanks to the generosity of two kind donors.

Wheeling University welcomed seven new faculty members. The new members include:

Trey Ankrom, Instructor of Nursing
Dr. Jonathan Ebbert, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
Dr. Jarred Gilham, Assistant Professor of Business Technology and Program Development for Cybersecurity and AI
Dr. Bernadette Kime, Assistant Professor of Theology and Program Lead
James Merinar, Instructor of Chemistry
Christina Schoolcraft, Coordinator of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training, and Program Lead of Natural Sciences and Health Services Management
Dr. Madeline Strope, Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Director of Clinical Education

The Higher Learning Commission has granted Wheeling University approval to offer the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice programs online beginning in the Fall 2026 Semester. The addition of the three online programs provides the University with the opportunity to recruit students from across the country who want to earn a degree.

The new cohort of Doctor of Physical Therapy students began on August 24. After touring the campus, the students and faculty went to First Settlement Physical Therapy where they met U.S. Senator Jim Justice, who explained the Safe Act Bill. Additionally, the students spent the afternoon at the YMCA in Elm Grove cleaning up from the recent flooding.

MarQuise Liddle, Instructor of English and Creative Writing, discussed his novel, Wand Smoke: Broken, at the Brooke Country Public Library Book Club this month.

Admissions

The Class of 2030 kicked off the 2026–27 academic year by signing their class banner with a special message: “Today We Begin. Together We Graduate.” The banner represents the beginning of their Wheeling journey and the commitment to support one another as they work toward graduation together.

The Office of Admissions welcomed students from 31 states and 41 countries during Opening Week.

Advancement/Alumni

Alumni Council President, Jake Lucas, hosted an alumni event in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Alumni of all ages attended the social. Thank you to Jake for his work and thank you to all who attended.

In early August, Mr. David Hendrickson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, sent a letter to alumni requesting support, and they have responded. Thank you to those who have helped us raise more than $113,000 to enhance programs at the University.

Athletics

The Wheeling University athletic teams began competition in August. To view the full schedule of athletic events, or to read more about our athletes and teams, Click here.

The Athletic Department hosted a Back-to-School Drive on Saturday, August 29, that coincided with the first home football game. Fans brought a variety of school supplies that will be donated to schools in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and Ohio County.

Also, an Opening Day Tailgate prior to the football game was held in the McDonough Lot. Fans enjoyed treats from food trucks and our own food service provider, Elior.

Campus Ministry

The Most Reverand Evelio Menjívar-Ayala, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, held a Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston retreat on August 26 on the campus of Wheeling University. Bishop Evelio celebrated Mass in the Chapel of Mary and Joseph for those that attended the retreat.

Daily Masses will be held Monday through Friday at 12:10 p.m. Masses will be offered at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Physical Plant

Professor of Engineering, Robert Yahn, retired USAF Colonel, has been named the Director of Physical Plant. Professor Yahn will continue to serve as the Department Chair of the Engineering Department.

Student Affairs

Dr. Denise Mirasola joined the Wheeling University community as the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs. Dr. Mirasola oversees Admissions, Financial Aid, the Counseling Center, the Health Center, and Student Affairs.

During New Cardinal Days, several activities were held to welcome our new and returning students. The New Student Convocation officially welcomed our new Cardinals into the learning community. Following the convocation, the students and faculty had their photo taken on Bishop Schmitt Field. The Academic Success Camps informed students about academic support services available around campus. Other activities during the weekend included a Luau and Bingo.

Additionally, the new class of students engaged in Wheeling University’s mission of service by participating in Make a Difference Day on Saturday, August 22, when they completed service projects on campus and throughout the City of Wheeling.

Please pray that our students find academic success and inspiration through service to others as they begin this new school year at Wheeling University.

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

Sincerely