West Liberty State College

Infobox University
name=West Liberty State College
motto="Make the Most of Yourself"
established=1837
type=Public coeducational
president=Robin C. Capehart (2007-present)
city=West Liberty
campus=Rural on 290 acres
faculty=158
state=W. Va.
country=USA
undergrad=2,400
postgrad=0
free_label=
free=
nickname = The Hilltoppers
colors=Black and Gold
website= [http://www.westliberty.edu/ www.westliberty.edu]

West Liberty State College is a state college located in West Liberty, West Virginia near Wheeling.

It is as a four-year comprehensive college offering a variety of degrees. The college is currently pursuing university status and it has been reported that it hopes to attain this by the fall of 2008. The bulk of its student body comes from the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, eastern portions of Ohio and areas of Western Pennsylvania. While elementary and secondary education are two popular majors offered, WLSC also provides a variety of other majors including digital media design, hospitality and tourism management, and forensic science. With the opening of the multi-million dollar Media Arts Center, West Liberty students now have access to a state-of-the art television studio, recording studio, and digital media labs. West Liberty State College is West Virginia's oldest institution of higher education.The school's athletic teams, known as the "Hilltoppers", compete in the NCAA Division II West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Dental Hygiene

West Liberty State College offers one of the few comprehensive Dental Hygiene programs in the Ohio Valley. It was also one of the first colleges in the nation to offer such a program. The program is fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission of Dental Accreditation. The program was opened in September, 1938, and graduated its first class in 1940. Since then about 2,345 students have graduated from the program. The dental hygiene students have the opportunity to enroll for a two-year professional program ending with an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene or a four-year professional program ending with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The Dental Hygiene office offers dental cleaning services for any member of the community at affordable rates. The facility sports the latest in dental technology and underwent a drastic renovation procedure in 2000. The program, which was mostly female dominated, is graduating more and more male students each year. Additional information as well as application forms can be found at the Dental Hygiene portion of the West Liberty State College website [http://www.westliberty.edu/Academics/Sciences/HealthSci/Dental.asp] .

Digital Media Design

Digital Media Design is an interdisciplinary concentration combining aspects of art and digital media. Students develop a broad range of transferable communication skills in visualization, communication, presentation, writing and technology. These skills provide an excellent foundation for careers in publishing, graphic design, web design, multimedia, arts administration, copy writing, and specialist careers in the art, design, and digital media industries. Students study with a variety of instructors with expertise in graphic design, photography, publishing, video, audio, animation, marketing, and business information systems. Classes will be held in the new Media Arts Center. Students will experience lectures, workshops, tutorials, and project work. Opportunities for independent learning and internships will be abundant. A sophomore portfolio review will be required of all candidates in Digital Media Design. The portfolio review will assess GPA and specific projects to determine the future academic path of the candidate.

chool of Business

The School of Business Administration is committed to the ideal of quality education for business students and to serve the business community through meticulous attention to detail in academic program design and instructional delivery, highly personalized student advisement and assistance and provision of state-of-the-art facilities.

The School of Business Administration provides two of the finest small college business programs in the Eastern United States. The School offers a B.S. in Business Administration degree with 12 specializations in accounting, administrative mathematics, administrative science, banking, finance and economics, computer information systems, general business, management, marketing, hospitality and tourism management, golf management and sports management. In addition, the School offers a B.S. in Business Information Systems degree designed to meet the needs of both current and future technology management positions.

The School of Business Administration’s Mission is as follows: To provided students with an environment that enables them to acquire the knowledge, skills, competencies, ethics and values necessary to make a positive contribution to society and the business profession and to grow both professionally and personally. The accomplishment of this mission is evidenced by the career successes of thousands of our graduates in technical professional, managerial and executive positions within all types of organizations throughout the nation.

In 2005, the School of Business Administration was accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). Our Student Outcomes Assessment Program has been acknowledged in national assessment conferences and by outside assessment consultants.

The School of Business Administration sponsors an Executive Seminar Series providing students with the opportunity to hear top successful leaders from business, government and military organizations. Programs such as these enhance the active learning environment created by the highly qualified and student-centered business faculty.

Our success formula is a very basic one—we truly care about our students as individuals—and we work with them to establish the educational foundation needed for success in today’s business environment. Our commitment to educational excellence is extraordinarily serious and sincere.

chool Nurse Program

West Liberty State College is approved to offer the School Nurse Program by the West Virginia Department of Education. Three courses unique to this program are offered to students pursuing or holding a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Completion of courses, successful completion of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) and possession of an RN license are necessary for the candidate to apply for state certification as a School Nurse in West Virginia. Goals of the program:
*Be prepared for employment in an entry level position as a School Nurse.
*Qualify for School Nurse Certification in West Virginia
*Be prepared to continue education at the graduate level

Media Arts Center

The West Liberty State College Media Arts Center opened in November of 2006. The 5 million dollar facility includes: a state-of-the-art recording studio, a television control, engineering core, and studio, where studio newscasts, television shows and special televised events take place. The building is also furnished with a editing classroom, 3D Audio voice-over room, and a multi-purpose classroom. Reid Amos is the Director of Media Arts, while Theresa Gretchen serves as Director of Media Production.

MART-Center

The WLSC SMART-Center is a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers and since 1996 has directly served more than 80,000 students through its programs, outreach, and activities. Students have traveled from as far away as Boone County, W.Va, for activities, while teachers have traveled from upstate New York to participate in the teacher enhancement activities. From the custom-designed school or class field trips correlated to state and national education standards to programs held at local schools, such as the Science Enhancement for Middle Schools program, the SMART-Center continues to serve many area schools annually. SMART, which is an acronym for Science, Mathematics, And Research Technology, is a hands-on science center complete with an exhibit hall containing a variety of hands-on exhibits; a demonstration theater; distance learning equipment; a Light, Optics and Visual Perception room; an Educator Resource Center with a lending library; an Educator Research Laboratory; and two (STARLAB) inflatable planetariums. More than 750 regional teachers and WLSC education majors are currently STARLAB trained. This inflatable planetarium allows schools to have on-site mini-planetarium shows at their schools. To date, more than 85 schools have leased the STARLAB with a variety of other schools using the STARLAB as part of a program held at their school or at the SMART-Center. The SMART-Center sponsors the annual Science Challenge for Middle Schools, and both the regional Middle School Science Bowl and the High School Science Bowl, sponsored by RESA-6 and the National Energy Technology Center. Community events held at the WLSC SMART-Center include the hosting of the local astronomy club, ASTROLABE, the Science in Science Fiction Club, and the steering committee meetings for the Northern Regional Consortium. The SMART-Center serves as the center of operations for the West Virginia-Handle On Science Project and is a partner in this collaborative endeavor in elementary science education involving RESA-6, all five county school systems of the Northern Panhandle, business and industry and local colleges and universities.

Greek Life

West Liberty State College has eight Greek organizations on campus. The national sororities include Chi Omega and Alpha Xi Delta. The remaining organizations are local sororities and fraternities, including the sororities Delta Theta Kappa and Lambda Psi Sigma [http://mysite.verizon.net/vzetu4jt/] . Fraternities on campus are Delta Zeta Pi, Kappa Delta Kappa [http://www.kappadeltakappa.org] , Beta Theta Gamma, and Chi Nu. The Kappa Delta Kappa fraternity is the oldest fraternity on campus, founded in 1950. Chi Nu was established in 1952 by former Kappa Delta Kappa members.

Intercollegiate Athletics Program

West Liberty State College’s Intercollegiate Athletics Program is an integral part of the institution’s total educational mission. Fifteen men’s and women’s sports are offered, providing diverse opportunities to accommodate students’ abilities and varying interests (football, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, WRESTLING, women’s softball, men’s baseball, men’s and women’s track, men’s and women’s golf. There is also a coed cheerleading squad). The college belongs to the 16-member West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as well as Division II of the N.C.A.A. Athletic-related aid is available to a limited number of participants who qualify. The philosophy of West Liberty State Athletics embraces the concepts of the “student-athlete” being a “student” first as well as the principles of gender equity and requirements of Title IX. The physical and mental welfare of the student-athlete is of the highest importance. Fair play and sportsmanship are emphasized along with strict compliance with the rules and regulations of the W.V.I.A.C. and the N.C.A.A. The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act, approved by Congress in 1994, requires that all co-educational institutions of higher education provide annual information pertaining to its athletics program, specifically, operating expenses and persistence rates. This information, along with persistence rates certified by the N.C.A.A., are updated annually and are available for inspection in the Athletics Department office located in the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex. The West Liberty women's basketball team is led by Mr. Lynn Ullom who is the all-time winningest women's collegiate basketball coach in the State of West Virginia.

cholarships

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic competence and/or special abilities. Scholarships are awarded by the Financial Aid Office to incoming freshmen on the basis of the ACT or SAT scores and high school grade point averages. Scholarships are awarded to transfer students based on college GPA and high school grade point average, if necessary. Additionally, some scholarships are awarded by various departments of the college on the basis of students’ majors and/or special abilities. More detailed information on each of the scholarships offered may be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid Office.

Campus Facilities

ACADEMIC, SPORTS AND RECREATION - Opened in the summer of 2000, the complex features an exercise physiology suite, three classrooms wired for computer technology, a conference center, a wellness/fitness center, team rooms and administrative office area. The multi-purpose arena includes a competition basketball-volleyball court and three additional modules for classes, intramurals, athletic team practices/ events and numerous other functions. The entire complex totals more than 145,000 square feet. The project involved the connection of two buildings, Blatnik and Bartell halls, and the construction of a new state-of-the-art 27,000 square foot multi-purpose arena. The Blatnik building is now the Blatnik “Wing” and is named for Dr. Albert Blatnik, long-time coach, director of athletics, and chairperson of the Department of Physical Education. This area consists of a recently-renovated gymnasium, four classrooms, numerous offices, a four-lane swimming pool and a wrestling practice room. The Bartell “Wing,” named for Dr. Joseph Bartell, former dean, athletic director and multi-sport coach, houses four racquetball courts, three classrooms, lockers, a training room, an athletic weight room, a wellness center, offices, and connects with the arena.

THE ANNEX - Located on Faculty Drive, the Annex houses the ceramics and pottery classrooms and laboratory, the office of the custodial services supervisor, and the Student Enrichment Center (counseling, tutoring, ADA).

ARNETT HALL OF NATURAL SCIENCES - This building was named for Denver F. Arnett, Academic Dean of West Liberty from 1955 to 1970. The complex includes 12 laboratories, six general-purpose classrooms, faculty offices, and houses the biology and chemistry units. A modern greenhouse is located on the south end of the building. The excellent laboratories and equipment housed in this beautiful structure are to be found at very few undergraduate institutions in the nation.

COLLEGE HALL- The Helen Pierce Elbin Auditorium seats 450 and serves as a recital hall and center for lectures and other public programs. It is equipped with a 42-rank, three-manual Moeller pipe organ and two concert grand pianos. The building houses voice studios, a music education classroom, and a recording studio.

COLLEGE UNION - Your home away from home is the hub of service and activity at the college. The College Union is designed to serve the social and extracurricular needs of the students, faculty, staff, administration, and guests. As a branch of the Auxiliary Services administration of the college, the Union serves as a conduit for those services and amenities that make the out-of-class experience a positive aspect of college life. The College Union operates on a schedule that complements the academic timetable. By providing lounges, a Sodexho food court, a Subway franchise, an ATM, and a campus service center (post office, I.D. card operation, etc), the Union helps make the transition from home to college a pleasant experience. The college bookstore, the student newspaper, the campus radio station, and guest rooms for parents are also provided in the Union. Limited student employment is provided in the Union allowing the worker to grow while supplementing funds needed to go to school. The College Union also houses the Auxiliary Services Office. Auxiliary Services makes available programs, services, and facilities to enhance the college experience. The office provides laundry services, vending services, “Topper Card” center services, and on-campus employee housing. Contract administration for food service, custodial service, etc. are arranged from this office. Reservations for meeting rooms in the College Union and the Interfaith Chapel are made through Auxiliary Services. HALL OF FINE ARTS - Administrative center of the Department of the Arts and Communications. The Hall of Fine Arts houses Kelly Theatre, art studios, art gallery, music practice rooms, electronic piano labs, Disklavier piano studios, choral room, band rooms, general classrooms, and faculty offices.

INTERFAITH CHAPEL - This worship center seats 175 and is equipped with a 33-rank, three-manual Moeller pipe organ and a grand piano. Other facilities include five offices and the Ellwood Social Room.

MAIN HALL - This four-story structure, located on the circle just beyond the main entrance, houses several academic sections and also serves as the major classroom area. In addition, the administrative offices of the president, provost and vice president of academic affairs, registrar, financial affairs, financial aid, human resources and information technology services are centralized here. The building includes the Curtis and McColloch wings, which were the two original academic facilities on campus. These structures were named for pioneer West Liberty families who played important roles in the early development of West Liberty.

MEDIA ARTS CENTER - A new wing of the Hall of Fine Arts opened in Fall 2006, the Media Arts Center is a state-of-the-art facility housing a music technology computer lab, digital media design lab, recording studio,television studio, and graphic design lab. MYERS MAINTENANCE BUILDING - Named for Thomas E. Myers, superintendent of buildings and grounds from 1958 to 1971, this building is home to the Physical Plant and Facilities Management departments. As the central hub for campus maintenance activities and construction project management, this facility includes automotive repair bays, a carpenter shop, paint room, storeroom, two loading docks, an adjacent grounds storage facility and CAD capabilities.

PAUL N. ELBIN LIBRARY - The three story building was named in honor of Paul N. Elbin, President of the College from 1935 until 1970. The library collection consists of more than 200,000 print volumes, 800 hard copy periodical and newspaper subscriptions, access to several thousand online periodical subscriptions, electronic databases, Internet connection (including wireless access), and numerous titles in media or microform formats. On the main floor are reference services; reference education classroom; bibliographic instruction; circulation services; and the fiction, videocassette, DVD, music and periodical collections. Photocopy machines for print and microforms are located near the periodical section. Word processing stations and Internet access stations, as well as digital imaging, are located on this floor. The third floor houses most of the open stack circulating collection including the children’s literature section. Also found on the third floor are the Special Collections: the Nelle M. Krise Rare Book Room that features a collection of books tracing the history of book making, the college archives, and the college museum. In addition,rooms and areas are available for conferences, seminars, meetings, group and individual study -- and most are equipped for the latest technology. The Humanities Department offices, classrooms, computer lab, and major’s lounge are located on the lower level of the building. RESIDENCE HALLS - There are seven residence halls for students located on campus (see Residence Life).

RUSSEK FIELD - Named for the community leader Stephen J. Russek, the football field is a Mondo Echofill Star artificial turf arena with a seating capacity of 4,000. On August 30, 2008, WL held a field dedication prior to the football game to thank Gary ('58) and Flip West for their vision and generosity to West Liberty. West Liberty vs. Edinboro University marked the first game played on the new turf.

SHAW HALL - Formerly a women’s residence hall named for John Shaw, president from 1908-1919. Shaw Hall currently houses the offices of Admissions, Alumni Association, Campus Safety, College Relations and Marketing, Development, Center for Student Success, and Student Affairs/Enrollment. The college’s Health Services Center is also located in this building. Shaw Hall has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

SHOTWELL HALL - Formerly a men’s residence hall named for the Reverend Nathan Shotwell, D.D., founder of West Liberty Academy, Shotwell Hall currently houses faculty offices and a GIS lab. This building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Residence Life

The Office of Housing and Residence Life provides a residence hall experience that compliments and broadens the educational mission of the college. Life in the residence halls provides support for the classroom experience, allows students opportunities to socialize and study with their peers, and provides an array of programs and activities that enhance the college experience. Each residence hall is staffed by live-in staff and student resident assistants who provide administrative, advising and programming services. Residential students are encouraged to assume an active role in their residence hall and campus life. Regular floor and hall meetings provide opportunities for two way communication between staff and residents. The residence hall environment also keeps residents informed of College policies and procedures and provides information and activities that maintain a positive, educational and safe living experience. There are currently a total of seven residence halls on campus. All residence halls are non-smoking. Each residence hall offers its own laundry facilities, and all are located in close proximity to academic buildings and dining.

BETA HALLThe hall, which has been closed for two years, provided airconditioned suites with semi-private baths. There was a lounge per floor for social and study space.

BONAR HALLBonar Hall, the Honors Residenced of West Liberty State College, is named for John S. Bonar, president from 1926-1933. Originally a male dormitory, it is now carpeted, individually heated and air-conditioned with semi-private baths.

BOYD HALLBoyd Hall was named for Mrs. Robert Lee Boyd of Wheeling in recognition of her services as a member of the State Board of Education.

CURTIS HALL Curtis Hall, a coed freshman residence, is named in honor of General William B. Curtis and his family. The hall has community bathrooms and a lounge on each floor.

HUGHES HALL Hughes Hall was named for Raymond G. Hughes, member of the English faculty from 1931 until 1970. Hughes Hall is suite style, fully-carpeted with airconditioning and semi-private baths.

KRISE HALL Krise Hall is a co-ed residence hall. The hall was named for Nelle M. Krise, a member of the faculty from 1926 to 1966. The hall has air-conditioned suites with semi-private baths.

ROGERS HALLRogers Hall was named for Mrs. George Rogers, Dean of Women for 1937-1952. Rogers Hall also houses the “Marketplace,” the on-campus dining facility.

CAMPUS APARTMENTS AND HOUSESCampus apartments and houses are adjacent to campus and offer housing for upperclass students. The number of units available varies by semester and year and is competitive in selection.

INTRAMURAL AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIESPHYSICAL EDUCATION CLUB - For men and women majoring in physical education.INTRAMURALS - An intramural program for both men and women, provides participation in a breadth of activity, such as basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis, swimming, racquetball, walleyball, ping pong, billiards, flag football, aerobics, euchre, and 3-on-3 basketball. This program is operated by the office of the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Alumni

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONThe West Liberty State College Alumni Association was founded in June 1877 with 103 members. From its beginning, the growth and development of the Alumni Association has been dedicated to promoting the interests of West Liberty State College and strengthening the loyalty of and fostering support among its graduates, former students, and friends. The association serves as the liaison between the alumni of West Liberty State College and its administration, staff, faculty, students, and friends. Today, the Alumni Association represents nearly 20,000 alumni and continues to foster a spirit of unity and fellowship through communications, development, publicity, special events, recruiting, and career exploration to meet the diverse interests of its constituents.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION “WALL OF HONOR”The West Liberty State College Alumni Association Board of Directors instituted a project in 1990 to demonstrate to current students, visitors, and friends that the college has some very successful graduates. This project, known as the “Alumni Wall of Honor,” is a dramatic way to honor some of the college’s most distinguished alumni and display pride in the accomplishments of its graduates. The concept was suggested by then Associate Professor of Physics Robert W. Schramm, who is a 1958 graduate of the college and a 2002 Alumni Wall of Honor inductee. The Alumni Wall of Honor is housed in the south end of the College Union known as the Alumni Lounge. Photographs and brief biographies of each inductee may be found on the Alumni Association webpages.

Liberty Oaks Alumni House Bed & BreakfastFirst occupied in 1936 and proudly serving as the residence for the Presidents of West Liberty State College until 1997, Liberty Oaks Alumni House Bed & Breakfast offers a charm and elegance that make it perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway. Liberty Oaks Alumni House Bed & Breakfast is a stately mansion located on the beautiful West Liberty campus. The property has many outstanding attributes such as its tranquil setting and proximity to all campus amenities including a state-of-the-art wellness center.

Clyde D. Campbell Alumni ParkAlumni Park is home to three beautiful, black granite pyramids displaying the engraved names of alumni and friends of West Liberty State College. The Park is a welcome addition to our beautiful campus and demonstrates to prospective students the dedication and loyalty of our graduates. Alumni Park is located in the “heart” of the campus – just outside of Main Hall and adjacent to the College Union. It is a popular area where students and faculty congregate between classes or relax on a beautiful day.

Notable Alumni

Brad Paisley

Chris Booker

Mark Murphy (Packers)

Lynn Ullom

References

Welling, Meagan. "Capehart named president" "The Trumpet", Volume 89, Issue 18 February 27, 2007

External links

* [http://www.westliberty.edu West Liberty State College Homepage]
* [http://www.wglz.net WGLZ]
* [http://www.hilltoppersports.com WLSC Athletics]
* [http://www.westliberty.edu/wvfestival West Virginia Flash Animation Festival]
* [http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=arcadia&Product_Code=0738506974&Product_Count=&Category_Code= Arcadia Publishing] Publisher of "West Liberty State College" by Robert W. Schramm