November 3, 2023
Update from the President
Dear Wheeling University Community,
Recently, we have been fortunate to bring on three new individuals in different areas of the university. Dr. Andrea Bucklew joined the Wheeling community the first week of October. In her role as my Chief of Staff, she’ll be a member of the President’s Cabinet and tasked with a wide variety of administrative and executive duties, special projects, and initiatives involving the President’s office and its key goals as detailed in the strategic plan. She started her career in higher education at WVU Potomac State College before moving to Alderson Broaddus University. At AB, she served in various leadership positions, including Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Associate Provost, and Provost. Also joining Wheeling University is Mike Kochka, Dean of Students for the newly restructured Student Affairs Department. Kochka also comes to us from Alderson Broaddus, where he also served in various capacities, including Dean of Students. Student Affairs has been restructured to focus on the moral and ethical development of our students and a campus culture that reflects the values of our Catholic faith. We believe by focusing on moral virtues, we can help students grow in empathy, self-awareness, and kindness. This week, we welcomed Chelsea Flowers as the new part-time transportation specialist. She will assist the various campus departments when they need to book our vans for travel to athletic games, retreats, and student activities. I am so happy that our campus family is growing, and these three outstanding individuals are now a part of our Cardinal family.
Coach Christy Benner and the Cardinal Volleyball team sits atop the Mountain East North Division rankings with an 11-1 record. The regional rankings were released this week, and the Cardinals were listed in the top 10. Updated standings will be announced on Wednesday. The team has three matches left in regular season play. The final home game of the season is next Friday against West Liberty, when the senior players will be honored. Finish strong Cardinals!
The Cardinal Rugby team is off to Chicago to play in the Big Rivers Rugby Conference Championship (BRRC) game today. The team will square off against Principia College of Elsah, Illinois at 5 p.m. EST. This is a matchup of the top two teams in the BRRC. A win in the conference championship match would propel the Cardinals to the National Collegiate Rugby Division I quarterfinals on Saturday, November 18th. Best of luck to Coach Geibel and his players this weekend!
This coming Thursday, 150 Wheeling Middle School (WMS) students will spend the morning experiencing college life when they visit our campus. Dr. Dianna Vargo, Director of Education Programs, has prepared a series of information sessions introducing students to many aspects of our university – including academic sessions by Jill Emery, Chair of Nursing, and Bob Yahn, Assistant Professor of Engineering. Chair of Communications Butch Maxwell will spearhead a student panel where our students will share their experiences at Wheeling. The panel will also answer questions from the WMS students. Athletic Director Carrie Hanna will talk to the students about Wheeling’s sports team and what it takes to compete at the Division II level. The WMS students will also participate in hands-on activities with the Challenger Learning Center staff. We are excited to welcome the students and teachers from Wheeling Middle School to our campus –I hope their visit will be educational and fun!
The finishing touches are underway on Fr. Freddie’s new apartment on Campion’s first floor. His new location will afford him the opportunity to meet with students in a more spacious setting. Members of the Wheeling community have purchased/donated items for Father’s kitchen, bedroom, and lounge area – what a wonderful gesture by these individuals. We are working to secure a few more items to make his new home complete. Perhaps once Father is settled in, we will host an open house for him and hopefully allow staff and students to welcome him to his new abode!
Happy weekend everyone – may you take time to refuel and relax. AND, don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour Saturday night!
Luceat Lux Vestra!