#hilltoppers

[ledenews]

West Liberty University Announces 2026 Topper Day of Giving Set for March 25

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. —West Liberty University and the WLU Foundation have announced that the 2026 Topper Day of Giving will take place on Wednesday, March 25. The 24-hour online fundraising event brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the university to support scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and student experiences across campus. The Health Plan will once again serve as the title sponsor for the annual giving day, continuing its longstanding commitment to higher education and student success in the Ohio Valley. “Topper Day of Giving has become one of the Foundation’s most impactful fundraising initiatives each year,” said Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the WLU Foundation. “Support from alumni, faculty, and the community helps expand scholarship opportunities for students and provides critical funding for programs across campus. We are grateful to The Health Plan for continuing their partnership as our title sponsor.” Jeff Knight, President and CEO of The Health Plan, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities in the region. “As a major employer in the Ohio Valley, The Health Plan recognizes the important role West Liberty University plays in preparing students for successful careers,” Knight said. “We are proud to support Topper Day of Giving and invest in the continued success of WLU students.” During the 24-hour giving event, donors will have the opportunity to support the WLU Foundation Annual Fund or designate their gifts to the academic or athletic programs that matter most to them. Many gifts will be eligible for matching opportunities and special challenges that help increase the impact of each contribution. Additional sponsorship support for the 2026 Topper Day of Giving includes Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration, CMTA, Alex and Valerie Paris, Apex Aesthetics, Liberty Distributors, Gellner Law Offices, and Wheeling Volkswagen Subaru. Topper Day of Giving has grown significantly in recent years through strong participation from the campus community and alumni network. Students, faculty, and supporters share stories and encourage participation through social media, emails, and personal outreach in the days leading up to the event. For more information or to make a gift on March 25, visit wlufoundation.org/dayofgiving or call 304-336-5635. Read the full article

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WLU Awarded Grant to Support Program for Youth

est Liberty University Awarded Momentum Initiative Grantto Support Justice-Involved and At-Risk Youth WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University has been awarded a Momentum Initiative Grant (MIG) from the West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) to support Hilltopper Pathways: Out of School Reentry and Support Program. The grant, totaling $249,397, will support a university-anchored initiative designed to serve justice-involved and at-risk middle school students across the Northern Panhandle. “This work is personal to me,” said Dr. Sherri Theaker, Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance. “I grew up here in the Valley, and I have seen the brilliance and resilience of our young people. I have also seen how easily their potential can be dimmed when they do not have the support they deserve. Our local schools fight for these students every day, and West Liberty University stands with them. We have always believed in the power of education to transform lives, and Hilltopper Pathways is that belief brought to life.” The Momentum Initiative Grant is part of nearly $18 million in statewide investments approved earlier this month by the WVFF Board of Directors to support high-impact efforts addressing substance use disorder, prevention, recovery, and workforce and system capacity across West Virginia. Funding was awarded to 76 projects statewide through a rigorous, data-driven and community-informed review process. Developed by West Liberty University’s College of Education and Human Performance, Hilltopper Pathways is a collaborative, out-of-school reentry and prevention program serving students in grades six through eight in Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel Counties. The program partners with regional school districts, day report centers, probation officers, and community organizations to provide structured, trauma-informed support during the high-risk hours immediately following the school day. Each Hilltopper Pathways session blends academic tutoring, mentoring, social-emotional learning, physical wellness, and creative enrichment. Certified teachers, along with trained West Liberty University faculty and student mentors, guide small groups through evidence-based routines that strengthen confidence, connection, and self-regulation. During its first year, Hilltopper Pathways will serve 25 students with measurable goals that include increased school attendance and course pass rates, a reduction in disciplinary or juvenile justice referrals, and increased family participation in at least one support or engagement event. What distinguishes Hilltopper Pathways is its intentional bridge between higher education and local systems of care. Faculty from education, community education, criminal justice, health and physical education, and exercise physiology provide ongoing consultation and evaluation, ensuring the program remains both research-based and responsive to community needs. By transforming after-school hours into safe, purposeful learning time, Hilltopper Pathways strengthens families, supports successful reentry, and advances a sustainable, university-led model of prevention for West Virginia’s youth. “Hope grows when young people are given real opportunities to see themselves differently,” Dr. Sherri Theaker continued. “When we surround students with positive, research-based activities and mentors who genuinely care, they begin to uncover strengths they never knew they had. Hilltopper Pathways is about opening doors and showing our youth that new possibilities are not only imaginable, but within reach. When a university, its schools, and its community come together with intention and heart, we can change the direction of a child’s life and help their future shine a little brighter.” The Momentum Initiative Grant reflects WVFF’s nationally distinctive approach to opioid abatement—combining objective evaluation, local expertise, and accountability to ensure settlement dollars generate lasting impact. West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu. Read the full article

[totalapexsports]

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Beat Southern Miss Golden Eagles In New Orleans Bowl - Total Apex Sports

Western Kentucky delivered a performance that won’t soon be forgotten. How did they get the job done?

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West Liberty University Recognized for National Excellence in Teacher Preparation

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University is proud to announce that it has earned accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

“These providers meet high standards so that their students receive an education that prepares them to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate,” said CAEP President Dr. Christopher A. Koch. “Seeking CAEP Accreditation is a significant commitment on the part of an educator preparation provider.”

CAEP is a nationally recognized accrediting body for educator preparation. Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement.

“Earning CAEP accreditation affirms the exceptional commitment of our faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to provide outstanding preparation and resources for future educators,” said Dr. Cathy Monteroso, Provost. “This achievement reflects West Liberty University’s enduring dedication to strengthening our region through high-quality teacher education.”

“As West Virginia’s oldest public institution, West Liberty has always carried a legacy of preparing those who shape the future,” added Dr. Sherri Theaker, Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance. “This accreditation reaffirms that our teacher preparation programs continue to honor that responsibility with excellence and heart.”

“Achieving full CAEP accreditation is a tremendous milestone for our educator preparation programs,” said Dr. Richard Whitehead, Department Chair of Teacher Education at West Liberty University. “This recognition affirms the exceptional work of our faculty, the dedication of our candidates, and our commitment to preparing highly effective, future-ready educators. CAEP’s rigorous standards challenge institutions to continuously elevate quality and impact, and we are proud to demonstrate that our programs meet and exceed those expectations. This accreditation validates who we are and inspires us to keep advancing excellence in teacher education.”  

Established as West Liberty Academy in 1837, the preparation of teachers was WLU’s original purpose. It was chartered as the West Liberty Normal School in 1870, was renamed West Liberty State Teachers College in 1931, and was accredited in 1937 by the American Association of Teachers Colleges.

As the institution grew, it became West Liberty State College and, in 2009, it earned university status. This was the same year the first master’s degree program began—in education. The University’s first doctoral program, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), started in Fall 2023 and will celebrate its first graduates this coming May.

The CAEP Accreditation Council held its Fall 2025 review in October, during which 36 providers were approved under the rigorous, nationally recognized CAEP Teacher Preparation Standards.

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.

[ledenews]

West Liberty University Recognized for National Excellence in Teacher Preparation

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University is proud to announce that it has earned accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). “These providers meet high standards so that their students receive an education that prepares them to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate,” said CAEP President Dr. Christopher A. Koch. “Seeking CAEP Accreditation is a significant commitment on the part of an educator preparation provider.” CAEP is a nationally recognized accrediting body for educator preparation. Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement. “Earning CAEP accreditation affirms the exceptional commitment of our faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to provide outstanding preparation and resources for future educators,” said Dr. Cathy Monteroso, Provost. “This achievement reflects West Liberty University’s enduring dedication to strengthening our region through high-quality teacher education.” “As West Virginia’s oldest public institution, West Liberty has always carried a legacy of preparing those who shape the future,” added Dr. Sherri Theaker, Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance. “This accreditation reaffirms that our teacher preparation programs continue to honor that responsibility with excellence and heart.” “Achieving full CAEP accreditation is a tremendous milestone for our educator preparation programs,” said Dr. Richard Whitehead, Department Chair of Teacher Education at West Liberty University. “This recognition affirms the exceptional work of our faculty, the dedication of our candidates, and our commitment to preparing highly effective, future-ready educators. CAEP’s rigorous standards challenge institutions to continuously elevate quality and impact, and we are proud to demonstrate that our programs meet and exceed those expectations. This accreditation validates who we are and inspires us to keep advancing excellence in teacher education.”   Established as West Liberty Academy in 1837, the preparation of teachers was WLU’s original purpose. It was chartered as the West Liberty Normal School in 1870, was renamed West Liberty State Teachers College in 1931, and was accredited in 1937 by the American Association of Teachers Colleges. As the institution grew, it became West Liberty State College and, in 2009, it earned university status. This was the same year the first master’s degree program began—in education. The University’s first doctoral program, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), started in Fall 2023 and will celebrate its first graduates this coming May. The CAEP Accreditation Council held its Fall 2025 review in October, during which 36 providers were approved under the rigorous, nationally recognized CAEP Teacher Preparation Standards. West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu. Read the full article

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WLU Recognizing National Audiology Awareness Month in October

West Liberty University Speech and Hearing Clinic Promotes Positive Hearing Health and Hearing Protection WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — October 27, 2025 — In recognition of National Audiology Awareness Month, the West Liberty University Speech and Hearing Clinic, partnering with the American Academy of Audiology, encourages the community to prioritize hearing health with compassion and understanding. “Hearing is more than just a sense—it’s a connection to our world, our families, and our ability to live fully,” said Dr. Stephanie Bradley, Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Audiology Director at West Liberty University. “At our on-campus clinic, we treat every individual with empathy and respect, supporting them throughout their hearing journey.” Why Hearing Health Matters Nearly 29 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. While hearing loss often affects older adults, younger populations are increasingly at risk, particularly from unsafe listening practices. “Hearing loss can develop gradually, often going unnoticed until it impacts relationships, safety, or mental health,” Dr. Bradley explained. “The World Health Organization reports that more than 1 billion young people are at risk due to unsafe listening habits.” Untreated hearing loss is linked to serious health risks, including cognitive decline, dementia, and falls. Studies by Johns Hopkins University show that even mild, untreated hearing loss can triple the risk of falls. Regular hearing evaluations protect brain health, reduce social isolation, and help identify related conditions such as balance disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. A Preventable Problem Noise exposure remains one of the most common, and preventable, causes of hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels, such as those from concerts, lawn equipment, earbuds, and sporting events, can cause hearing damage. The American Academy of Audiology recommends the “EARS” strategy: - Earplugs - Avoid loud sounds - Reduce volume - Shorten exposure time “Noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable,” Dr. Bradley emphasized. “Audiologists help patients understand safe listening levels, provide protective strategies, and offer rehabilitation for hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues.” Personalized Care in Your Community The West Liberty University Speech and Hearing Clinic serves the Ohio Valley with expert audiological and speech-language services. Licensed professionals and graduate student clinicians provide individualized, evidence-based care in a compassionate, inclusive environment. “Whether a patient is nervous about their first test or struggling with long-term hearing loss, our team provides the support and education they need,” said Dr. Bradley. The clinic offers hearing evaluations, device fittings, and auditory counseling, helping patients stay connected and improve their quality of life. Training the Next Generation West Liberty University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program integrates classroom learning with real-world clinical practice. Students gain hands-on experience through direct patient care and advanced simulation, including the CARL hearing loss simulator, which allows safe, realistic clinical training. “Being able to put what I have learned in the classroom into clinical practice will give me an advantage in furthering my education. I will be able to fluently transition into working with patients because of my diverse educational experience,” shared Maryn Donnelly, a student clinician. Take the First Step “If you suspect your hearing has changed, even slightly, don’t wait,” urged Dr. Bradley. “Routine yearly exams protect hearing and overall well-being. We’re here to help you reconnect with the sounds of your life.” To schedule an appointment or learn more about the WLU Speech and Hearing Clinic, visit www.westliberty.edu/shc or call 304-336-8199. West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu. Read the full article

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WLU Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University will host a ribbon cutting for the Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center (AACC), a new facility for aquatic conservation, environmental education, and research that is dedicated to conserving imperiled aquatic species while promoting economic growth and environmental stewardship across central Appalachia.

The ceremony, tours, and a public lecture by Dr. Zachary Loughman will take place on Thursday, October 23 at 2 p.m. at the West Annex at WLU. Limited parking available at the site; shuttle service provided from parking lots near the WLU soccer field.

The AACC represents a significant investment in both scientific research and hands-on education. The facility includes a renovated restaurant space transformed into two classrooms and a molecular laboratory, a new building housing tanks for crayfish and turtles, and a renovated support building with offices and study areas. The project was made possible through a grant from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Abandoned Mine Lands program.

“The Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center at West Liberty University stands as a one-of-a-kind resource in the Mid-Atlantic Region,” said Dr. Zachary Loughman, Director of the AACC. “Through experiential learning, students who work here will be prepared to work in a conservation-based field across the country and throughout the world.”

The center supports conservation through propagation and restoration efforts, focusing on species such as crayfish and aquatic turtles whose habitats are under threat. Faculty and students conduct field-based research and habitat restoration to protect and enhance ecosystems across Appalachia.

In addition to conservation research, the AACC emphasizes experiential learning for West Liberty University students. Undergraduate and graduate biology majors gain hands-on experience in both laboratory and field environments, caring for aquatic species and learning the applied methods of conservation science.

Beyond campus, the greater Ohio Valley community will benefit from educational programming and outreach efforts hosted at the center. Public courses, workshops, and conservation-themed learning opportunities will connect citizens with the importance of sustainable resource management and biodiversity protection.

Through collaboration, innovation, and education, the Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center embodies West Liberty University’s mission to merge academic excellence with community impact—preserving Appalachia’s rich natural heritage for generations to come.

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.

[ledenews]

WLU Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University will host a ribbon cutting for the Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center (AACC), a new facility for aquatic conservation, environmental education, and research that is dedicated to conserving imperiled aquatic species while promoting economic growth and environmental stewardship across central Appalachia. The ceremony, tours, and a public lecture by Dr. Zachary Loughman will take place on Thursday, October 23 at 2 p.m. at the West Annex at WLU. Limited parking available at the site; shuttle service provided from parking lots near the WLU soccer field. The AACC represents a significant investment in both scientific research and hands-on education. The facility includes a renovated restaurant space transformed into two classrooms and a molecular laboratory, a new building housing tanks for crayfish and turtles, and a renovated support building with offices and study areas. The project was made possible through a grant from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Abandoned Mine Lands program. “The Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center at West Liberty University stands as a one-of-a-kind resource in the Mid-Atlantic Region,” said Dr. Zachary Loughman, Director of the AACC. “Through experiential learning, students who work here will be prepared to work in a conservation-based field across the country and throughout the world.” The center supports conservation through propagation and restoration efforts, focusing on species such as crayfish and aquatic turtles whose habitats are under threat. Faculty and students conduct field-based research and habitat restoration to protect and enhance ecosystems across Appalachia. In addition to conservation research, the AACC emphasizes experiential learning for West Liberty University students. Undergraduate and graduate biology majors gain hands-on experience in both laboratory and field environments, caring for aquatic species and learning the applied methods of conservation science. Beyond campus, the greater Ohio Valley community will benefit from educational programming and outreach efforts hosted at the center. Public courses, workshops, and conservation-themed learning opportunities will connect citizens with the importance of sustainable resource management and biodiversity protection. Through collaboration, innovation, and education, the Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center embodies West Liberty University’s mission to merge academic excellence with community impact—preserving Appalachia’s rich natural heritage for generations to come. West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu. Read the full article