January 28, 2022

Update from the President

Dear Wheeling University Community, 

Wednesday, was an exciting day because we learned Wheeling University will be the new home of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) Rudy Mumley All-Star Football and Band Camp. This July and for the following four years, we will host the Ohio and West Virginia football all-star players and coaches, as well as band members who perform at the game, the cheerleaders, and Queen of Queen candidates. In all, more than 200 high school students will make our campus their home the week of July 17. We began working on our bid to host this camp two years ago, and through the efforts of many individuals here at the University, we are the proud new hosts of what is most notably the premier all-star game. Hosting this camp is a fantastic opportunity for the OVAC All-Star players, band members, cheerleaders, and Queen of Queen candidates to utilize our campus facilities, including Bishop Schmitt Field, our residence halls, and dining services.  We work together here as a team, and a close family committed to excellence and moving our university forward.  We are always more than happy to share our beautiful home with others.

Also, this week, we were accepted to the Higher Learning Commission’s Assessment Academy. This is wonderful news since this Assessment Academy will offer our university personalized guidance in developing, documenting, and implementing a systematic approach to institutional assessment. The Academy will provide our university with new ideas and techniques on assessment that will increase our capacity to assess and improve student learning. We look forward to the evaluative, motivational, and knowledge-transfer environment that participation in the HLC Assessment Academy will impart. 

Fresh Check Day, the signature program of the Jordan Porco Foundation, is an uplifting mental health promotion and suicide prevention event for colleges.  This event transformed the lobby outside the Benedum Room into an expo-like atmosphere with interactive exhibits combined with food, prizes, and giveaways.  The purpose was to educate our students about mental health issues, suicide prevention, substance misuse, and service in the greater Wheeling community. Participating in the Fresh Check Day were the Campus Activities Board, the Student Government Executive Board, Student Senate, Public Safety/ Wheeling Police Department, the Psychology Club, Campus Ministry/Appalachian Institute, and NAMI of Greater Wheeling. Students also had the opportunity to work on a service project — making blankets for the local service agency House of Hagar. Wheeling University remains committed to developing men and women for life, leadership, and service, and Fresh Check Day is one more example of how we are staying true to our mission.  

The men’s and women’s swim teams were named 2021 Fall Scholar All-American teams by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America. To qualify for this recognition, team members had to have a 3.0 or higher grade point average. I am excited to report that our men’s swimmer posted a 3.65 GPA, while the women’s GPA totaled 3.01. Congratulations to each of the swimmers for their hard work in the classroom last semester. 

Jabez Reeves, a sprinter on the Cardinal Track team, was selected as the Mountain East Conference Men’s Indoor Track and Field Athlete for the week of January 24. During the Youngstown State University Indoor Invitational last weekend, Jabez won the 60-meter dash and broke the University record in a time of 6.85 seconds. In addition, he sprinted past three NCAA D-I runners to finish first. What an outstanding performance by Jabez, and I hope he continues to have success the rest of the season. 

Following his performance at the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) All-Star Shield Challenge, Freshman Flyhalf Chief Chipfumbu was named a member of the NCR All-Tournament Team.  

The accomplishments and success happening at Wheeling University are thanks to the commitment of this community –By working together, this family proves again we CAN achieve greatness! 

With gratitude,

Ginny R. Favede, President
Wheeling University