June 20, 2024
Wheeling University June Update
Dear Wheeling University Community,
Mr. David Hendrickson, Chair of the Wheeling University Board of Trustees, provided an update on Wheeling University to the faculty and staff on Tuesday, June 11. Also, in attendance were Board Members Mr. Chad Carter and Monsignor Joseph Peterson. Mr. Hendrickson thanked the employees for pulling together to position the University for a bright future, not just for the coming year but for years to come. He called on each employee to do two things: help recruit students and pay close attention to spending. He also asked faculty and staff to provide items they need in their departments. The University will begin fundraising to meet those needs. “We are not going to look back. From here on, we are looking forward,” he told everyone in conclusion.
Academics
Wheeling University is offering General Psychology and Principles of Professional Speaking to rising high school juniors and seniors. The cost of each course is $75. The online courses will be offered July 1 to August 19. These courses help students get a jump start on their college coursework. To register, contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@wheeling.edu.
Recently, Forbes Education ranked the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Leadership (MEL) program as one of the top 10 in the country. Forbes reviewed 253 accredited online educational leadership programs to determine their rankings. The MEL program was developed in 2010 by Dr. Connie Myer, former director of the Education Program and currently an adjunct faculty member in the program. Assisting her with the implementation of the program were Dr. H. Lawrence Jones and Dr. Bonnie Ritz. To read more about this ranking by Forbes Education, click this link.
On June 28, the Doctor of Physical Therapy students will present their capstone research projects and receive their White Coats. The capstone projects are a culmination of two years of study and research by the students. The White Coat Ceremony will follow inside the Chapel of Mary and Joseph.
Admissions
The Admissions Office and Student Affairs hosted a very successful New Student Orientation on Monday, June 10. More than 60 students and their family members attended. Another orientation for new students will be held on Monday, July 29.
Wheeling University offers the Learn Local Program, an option for commuter students to attend for just $13,178 a year. The program is available to students from 12 counties in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Students who are interested should discuss the qualifications for the program with their admissions counselor.
Advancement/Alumni
Homecoming 2024 will be held September 27-29. The weekend will be filled with sporting events and memorable campus activities.
Athletics
Wheeling University will induct 10 individuals and one team into the Athletic Hall of Fame during the 2024 Homecoming weekend. The Hall of Fame class will be honored during a ceremony on Saturday, September 28. The inductees are: Charles R. Davis, Rugby; Brandon Rouchion, Men’s Track and Field; Kayla Johnson, Women’s Track and Field; Jenna Pew, Volleyball; Steph Petterson and Lesley Kohlmyer, Women’s Soccer; Ronnie Hunte, Men’s Soccer; Noah Mull, Baseball; Sue Vail, Women’s Golf; Joe Key, Women’s Basketball; and the 1994 Women’s Basketball Team.
Chris Richardson, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, has been selected to coach at the NCAA College Basketball Academy. He will lead a team of nine players through on-court drills and life skills segments.
Campus Ministry
Father Freddie D’Souza, Director of Campus Ministry, has been reassigned to Campus Ministry at West Virginia University as Associate Director and Parochial Vicar of St John’s University Parish starting on July 15. A Benedictine priest will serve Wheeling University beginning on August 1 to ensure that our students and staff continue to have vibrant campus ministry programming. The Campus Ministry programs help students and staff grow in their faith and in our mission.
Physical Plant
Painting and facility upgrades continue. Exterior masonry and cleaning have begun at Ignatius Hall with elevator repairs to start soon. Additionally, lighting upgrades are planned at the stadium and natatorium. Robert Yahn, a member of the engineering faculty, and his students will assist with the design of the lighting system for the pool.
Student Affairs
The Activities and Events Office helped organize the Mount de Chantal Reunion on June 8. Thirty-seven Mount graduates enjoyed lunch in the CET Recital Hall and toured the adjacent Sister’s Gallery.
Wheeling University will again welcome the OVAC All-Star Football Camp beginning on Monday, July 15. Football players, band members, and cheerleaders from Ohio and West Virginia high schools will use our facilities to prepare for the 78th Annual OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game.
The GenOn Youth Summit camp will also be held on the campus of Wheeling University beginning on Monday, July 29. The camp provides high school youth, young adults, and adult leaders a place to grow in their faith, in their commitment to Christ, and in community with each other.
Finally, a special thanks is extended to Mr. Hendrickson, Mr. Carter, and Monsignor Peterson for their leadership and guidance.
As always, let me extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Wheeling University Community for your support.
Sincerely,
Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.
Chief Operations Officer