September 26, 2024
September Campus Update
Dear Wheeling University Community,
On Thursday, September 5, Board Chair David Hendrickson announced Dr. Dianna Vargo as the 14th president of Wheeling University.
This is a very exciting and important opportunity. Not just for me, but for our entire faculty and staff. All of us here are firmly committed to advancing this great University and providing the best learning environment for our students. I’m very grateful to Bishop Brennan, Board Chair Mr. Hendrickson, and all our Trustees for their confidence in our team.
Five new members have been added to the Board of Trustees by Bishop Brennan. They include: Steve Haid, Class of 1963; Daniel Haller, Class of 1961; Jennifer Hornyak, Class of 2000; Robert Knott, Class of 1989; and Philip Mauser. They join Chairman David Hendrickson and Chad Carter in guiding Wheeling University into the future.
Academics
The 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best College’s Guide has placed Wheeling University as one of the best regional universities in the south region. Wheeling University was also recognized or Social Mobility. To read more about our rankings by U.S. News & World Report, click here.
Dr. Krissy Grubler, DPT faculty, and her students Sydney Davis and Douglas Vogtsberger presented their research about “The Use of Therapy Dogs in Physical Therapy Education: An Exploratory Study” at the APTA-WV annual conference. DPT faculty member, Dr. David Edwards, and his students Joshua Crawford and Azim Qadri also presented their research about “Efficacy of Dry Needling for Improving Posterior Chain Mobility” at the conference.
A Health Fair and Open House will be held on Wednesday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted by the Exercise Science, Athletic Training, and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Faculty and students from these programs will provide tours of their new classrooms, labs, and office spaces in Donahue Hall and Kirby Hall. Additionally, a Health Fair will be held in the lobby of McDonough Center where a variety of health screenings will be offered. This event is open to the campus community and the public.
Faculty and administrators are working with students to revitalize the visual and performing arts, as well as music ministry at Wheeling University. Faculty members William “Butch” Maxwell, Dr. Paula Makris, Amy Miesel, Dr. John Stansel, and Dr. Doug White, along with Robert Troeger, Director of Music Ministry, are hosting information sessions to discuss opportunities for showcasing the talents of Wheeling University students.
Admissions
The enrollment for Fall 2024 is 777 students. There are 602 undergraduate students, 159 graduate students, and 16 certificate students. The number of new students increased by 12 percent for Fall 2024. The Office of Admissions is receiving applications for Fall 2025 and hosting campus visits weekly. Fall Open Houses are scheduled for Saturday, October 19, and Saturday, November 16. Prospective students can contact the Office of Admissions to register.
Advancement/Alumni
Alumni, families, and friends will celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend beginning this Friday. Multiple events have been planned. One highlight is the induction of the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class on Saturday evening. We look forward to honoring the 10 individuals and the 1994 Women’s Basketball Team at the ceremony.
Earlier this month, the University lost a devoted member of its family. Monsignor Joseph Peterson passed away Thursday, September 12 after a brief illness. Monsignor, a member of the class of 1971, was a member of our Board of Trustees, while serving the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston as its Vicar General. Bishop Mark Brennan presided over Monsignor’s funeral Mass on September 17 and asked that we continue to keep he and his family in our prayers.
Memorabilia of Fr. Jim O’Brien, S.J., is on display in the lobby of Troy Theater in Swint Hall thanks to the generosity of the Class of 1966. Class members donated funds to purchase a beautiful glass case to honor the legacy of this wonderful man. Several of Father’s awards, photos, and diplomas are on display.
Bill Elder, has been hired as the Chief Financial Officer for Wheeling University. He comes to Wheeling from Liberty University with experience in higher education.
Athletics
The Wheeling University Women’s Rugby team made its debut this month. At its first ever home game against Emory & Henry at Bishop Schmitt Field there were bagpipers and special commentary by ESPN’s John Broker and National Collegiate Rugby’s Angela Smarto. The team is currently undefeated.
Congratulations to former Wheeling University football standout, Brandon Munoz, who signed with the Wheeling Miners after two successful seasons with the Jacksonville Sharks.
The Women’s Volleyball Team members have started off the season with numerous awards. Mady Winters was the MEC Defensive Player of the Week following her outstanding performance at the Florida Invitational. Teammate Riley Kindal was selected to the Colorado Premiere Challenge All-Tournament Team following a great performance at the competition. She also recorded her 1,000th kill as a Cardinal during the Atlantic Region Crossover tournament.
Campus Ministry
On Monday evenings, Fr. David Griffin is hosting a Bible study which is attracting a number of students. He is exploring new programs to incorporate on campus to help our students and staff grow in their faith.
Information Technology
A new mobile app, WheelingU, is providing students, faculty, and staff easy access to email, class schedules, grades, campus events, and internal applications.
Physical Plant
The Maintenance Team has been busy making improvements throughout the campus. New lighting has been installed in the hallways of Donahue, which has made a big difference in the appearance of this academic hall. Additionally, LED bulbs have brightened up the Chapel of Mary and Joseph.
Student Affairs
The new Coordinator of Student Activities and Events is Stefon Napier. He works with Student Affairs and the Campus Activities Board to plan activities for students, as well as managing campus and external events. Heidi Dziak, who previously served in that role, is now the Director of Residence Life.
Michael Kochka, Dean of Students, presented “Higher Education Emergency Management for Student Affairs Professionals” at the Appalachian College Association Summit on September 26. The training will provide staff with the skills and knowledge to develop, implement, and lead effective emergency response plans.
The 2024 Homecoming Queen candidates are Shelby James, Rylee Jones, Jade Miller, Chylyn Pate, and Tessa Tordella. The King candidates are William Brady, Joao Lima De Oliveira, Ty Taylor, Nathan Yost, and Adam Zdanowicz. The 2024 Homecoming Queen and King will be announced at the football game this Saturday.
As always, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Wheeling University Community for your support.
Sincerely,
Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.
President