Home is where you are known. It is where someone notices when you succeed—and when you struggle. It is late-night conversations in residence halls, the encouragement of a professor who sees your potential, and friendships that turn into lifelong connections. It is where you begin to understand not only what you want to do, but who you are called to become.

Today, we have an opportunity to ensure that same sense of home endures for generations to come.

Our capital campaign, Creating Home: It Takes a Village, has reached a remarkable milestone. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, friends, and supporters, we are just shy of reaching 99% of our $25 million goal. This is no small accomplishment—it is proof of what the D&E community can achieve when we come together with purpose and pride. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” And yet, as with any meaningful journey, the final steps matter just as much as the first.

The vision for the Freshman Village is simple but powerful: a student’s first year on campus should feel like coming home. These living-learning spaces will do more than provide housing—they will foster connection, encourage engagement, and create an environment where students feel supported from the moment they arrive. Here, friendships will form, confidence will grow, and a true sense of belonging will take root.

When students feel at home, they persist, thrive, and succeed. And they carry forward the values and spirit of this institution into the world.

Completing this campaign represents more than a goal—it marks a defining moment in D&E’s history. In a time when many small, private colleges face challenges, this achievement signals strength, momentum, and a shared belief in our future.

But we are not there yet.

That is why we are asking our alumni and friends to step forward in this final push. Whether you have given before or are considering your first gift, your participation matters. No gift is too large nor any gift too small. Each contribution helps create a place where students feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. Your support now ensures the Freshman Village is a reality for generations of students who will call D&E home.

A village is built not by a few, but by many—each person offering what they can, united by a common purpose. That has always been the strength of Davis & Elkins.

As we stand on the brink of this historic achievement, reflect on your own sense of home at D&E. Think of the people, the places, and the moments that shaped you. Then consider how your gift can help create that same experience for those who follow.

Together, we are building something lasting.  Together, we will cross the finish line.  Together, we are creating home.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř

The post Reflecting Along the Journey appeared first on ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř.

Both DeLuca and Young were voted in unanimously during the state conference in October.

SHAPEWV promotes quality physical education, health education, and physical activity programs across the state by supporting educators and schools. As the state affiliate of SHAPE America, SHAPEWV also helps bring national initiatives like Health.Moves.Minds to West Virginia schools, encouraging students to build healthy habits through physical activity and social-emotional learning.

“Serving as the SHAPEWV Physical Activity Chair allows me to advocate for the importance of lifelong physical activity while supporting educators and professionals who are passionate about health and movement,” says Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Young. “It’s meaningful to me because it gives me the opportunity to support the profession while encouraging more opportunities for physical activity across West Virginia.”

ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř will play an instrumental part in the support of SHAPEWV’s virtual conference between March 1 and April 1 of 2026. The conference, designed as a flexible and accessible way for physical educators to discuss health, physical education, and innovative teaching concepts, will feature five education sessions filmed at D&E with Randolph County Health and Physical Educators Todd Price and Luanne Moore, SHAPEWV officer Kelsey Young, and D&E Head Athletic Trainer Kerrie Snyder.

“SHAPEWV promotes a broader mission of promoting health and an active lifestyle,” says Chair and Professor of Sport Science, DeLuca. “As Vice President of Higher Education for SHAPEWV, I am inspired to encourage innovative teaching and professional growth to others in the field, and to help strengthen connections between higher education institutions across the state of West Virginia, public and private schools, and private health and wellness industries. SHAPEWV promotes a broader mission of promoting health and an active lifestyle.”

Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca

Dr. Kelsey Young

The post D&E Sport Science Faculty Elected to State Board appeared first on ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř.

Strawderman was recognized earlier in the year as a Clinical Teacher of Record, filling a vacancy in middle school math in Tucker County.

“We are incredibly proud of Wesley and the growth he has demonstrated throughout his preparation as a mathematics educator,” sayid Assistant Professor of Education and Chair, Teacher Education Melanie Gribble.

“Watching him develop into a thoughtful and skilled teacher has been a privilege, and this recognition highlights the high standards of preparation we value in the mathematics education program at ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř.”

The Walter Regula Mathematics Teacher-in-Training grant is named in honor of Walter Regula, a Marshall University math education professor who also served as president of the West Virginia Council of Teachers in Mathematics.

The award is made each year to an outstanding college or university student who is training to become a mathematics teacher and who has intentions of teaching in West Virginia.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with this award,” says Strawderman. “To me, it represents not just past effort, but a responsibility to continue striving for excellence as a future educator.

“Meeting the criteria for this award reassures me that my dedication to learning, leadership, and service is making an impact. Most importantly, this recognition strengthens my commitment to give back to West Virginia, whether that’s through education, community involvement, or supporting the next generation.

“I’m proud to represent a state that has given me so much, and I’m motivated to give just as much back to it,” Strawderman said.

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Born and raised in the small West Virginia town of Glady, about an hour from Elkins, Lisa came to D&E in 1988 to pursue an associate degree in business. Fifteen years later she earned her Bachelor of Science in business. Just three years after completing her initial degree, she was offered a position in the College’s Advancement Office. Thus began 33 years of service—and counting—to her beloved alma mater. In 2016, she stepped into her current role as Administrative Assistant in the Office of Student Life.

A self-avowed “people person,” Lisa is at the center of a constant stream of students coming and going through the doors of the Student Life Office. Her D&E story is one of relationships—formed with students and parents alike—and of the reciprocal impact those relationships have had on them and on her. More than friendly, Lisa is a steady source of encouragement, support, and confidentiality. Week after week, laughter and tears are shared, hugs are exchanged, prayers are offered, and lives are touched. In many ways, these relationships represent ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř in microcosm.

The so-called “Wall of Fame,” a large collection of photographs of students with Lisa, transforms a plain wall near her desk into a visible testament to connection and belonging. Achieving a coveted spot on the wall has become a point of pride; students have even been known to take photos of their photo with Lisa to send home to their parents. Many of those parents know Lisa as well. In 2013, she launched D&E’s parent program, establishing strong two-way communication and serving as a trusted point of contact for families.

One of the most moving annual traditions at D&E takes place during the Baccalaureate Service on Commencement Weekend. Each graduate selects a faculty or staff member to hood them with their academic hood—an honor reserved for someone who has had a profound impact on their college journey. Year after year, Lisa is chosen by one or more graduates for this meaningful role. Such recognition is tangible evidence of the depth of her influence and the profound effect of her life’s vocation: creating community among D&E’s students and parents.

Lisa’s relationships do not end at commencement. Countless alumni remain in touch, extending wedding invitations and sharing birth announcements. Life’s mountaintop moments are naturally shared with family—especially their D&E mom.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř

The post Reflecting Along the Journey appeared first on ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř.

FYRA is an exciting opportunity that pairs outstanding students with D&E’s excellent, award-winning faculty, allowing in-depth cooperation with a faculty mentor from a first day on campus.  Recipients will devote four to six hours per week across their first year to the FYRA research-related project of their choice.  Students will create a FYRA learning contract, participate in regular meetings, present their results, and submit their findings to the appropriate university office.

“The FYRA program is a unique opportunity for incoming students to be involved with research from day one; they work with dedicated faculty mentors and have hands-on experience that is simply not possible at most schools,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mike Mattison.  “Such experiential learning also better prepares students for future opportunities: internships, graduate school, jobs.  This type of independent work is what employers look for, and what helps hone students’ abilities in communicating, collaborating, and thinking critically.  We are excited to roll these out at D&E, and I’m grateful we have dedicated faculty members looking to mentor our incoming Senators.”

Projects available for research in the upcoming academic year include Public Digital Humanities, Baker Street in Elkins, FYR Scholar in Chemistry 1, and FYR Scholar in Chemistry 2.  Public Humanities researchers will join a team of elite first-year students to bridge scholarship and community via hilltop history at Halliehurst and Graceland as it applies to the greater Elkins area.  Baker Street recipients dive into the work of Sherlock Holmes, event planning, guest speaker correspondence, and other components of public relations campaigns.  Chemistry 1 students will deepen their understanding of scientific principles, enhancing competitiveness for medical school admissions and setting realistic expectations for graduate level work.  Chemistry 2 researchers assist in the collection and analysis of data, and find additional support from scientific literature, across two comprehensive projects.

When asked about the importance of the public digital humanities project, program leader and Assistant Professor of English Colten Biro said, “This public digital humanities project will connect ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř to its alumni, unique regional location, and to the local community – but, I am really excited about the way the project provides students the opportunity to connect their research and their humanities education to real-world stakeholders, projects, and community organizing.  It’s a wonderful experience specifically tailored to start the student thinking about “life after college,” and providing the opportunity in their first year at ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř sets them up for success during their time with us and in their future.”

Programs and their respective contact points: Public Digital Humanities Project, Colten Biro, 304.637.1431, biroc@dewv.edu; Baker Street in Elkins, Andrew Jones, 304.637.1691, jonesa7@dewv.edu; FYR Scholar in Chemistry 1, Emma Johnson, 304.637.1427, johnsone4@dewv.edu; FYR Scholar in Chemistry 2, Roshani Asuramana Pedi Durayalage, 304.637.1426, asuranamar@dewv.edu.

The FYRA Scholarship is not part of a student’s work study award.  Applications should be submitted by April 15 for full consideration.

The post Davis & Elkins College Announces First-Year Research Award Program appeared first on ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř.

Kaylee Yergeau was among the first students I met upon my arrival at D&E in 2016 as she began her sophomore year.  Kaylee came to Elkins from a small city across the Puget Sound from Seattle, Washington, recruited to play women’s basketball. Two years later, Tycen Allan arrived on campus as a freshman men’s lacrosse recruit from a small town in western Canada. They met soon after Tycen’s arrival. Kaylee remembers thinking Tycen was shy—but cute. For Tycen, it was all about her smile “…and those beautiful brown eyes.”

There are two twists in this love story. The first came when they began dating, about seven months after Tycen arrived on campus. Kaylee was just weeks away from graduation and had already been accepted into West Virginia University’s doctoral program in physical therapy. Their budding relationship quickly became long distance. Nevertheless, these two overcame the miles, remaining together through three years of Tycen’s undergraduate studies at D&E and Kaylee’s demanding doctoral work.

January 22, 2022 is a day forever etched in their memories.  That particular January day was cold and snowy—classic West Virginia winter. Tycen convinced Kaylee to take a road trip to Blackwater Falls State Park, about 45 minutes from campus. There, surrounded by snow and the beauty of the falls, Tycen asked Kaylee to be his wife. Three of his lacrosse teammates were discreetly nearby, capturing the moment on video.

With graduation for both of our lovebirds in May 2022, the second twist came when Tycen was required to return to Canada as he pursued a non-student “fiancée” visa that would allow him to live in the United States. For the next nineteen months, the visa approval process dragged on, separating them by thousands of miles.

Except for a rare visit, Kaylee busied herself as she took a job as a physical therapist in Elkins and Tycen went to work in Canada.  This couple learned that absence makes the heart grow fonder. More than a year and a half of separation proved their love could overcome any obstacle.  Finally, with visa in hand, Tycen arrived in Elkins on March 1, 2024. Just thirteen days later, on March 14, 2024—exactly five years to the day after they began dating—Kaylee and Tycen became Mr. and Mrs. Allan. Blackwater Falls once again served as their cathedral.

Today, Tycen is the head coach of the men’s lacrosse team at D&E. Kaylee continues her work as a physical therapist in Elkins and nearby Parsons. Neither anticipated calling Elkins home after college, but they now say, quite simply, that they are home.

Recently, Kaylee and Tycen shared exciting news: Baby Allan will make his debut this June. The soon-to-be parents report feeling both excited and terrified. Knowing them as I do, their deep love for one another—and the care and respect they demonstrate to everyone they meet—will make them exceptional parents. D&E already looks forward to welcoming Baby Allan into the Class of 2044.

Perhaps Cupid’s arrow is aimed at another pair of students today.  Happy Valentine’s Day to all our ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř lovebirds—past, present, and future.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř

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The calendar turns to a new year, often synonymous with fresh starts and resolutions. However, if I may borrow a sports analogy, for those of us in higher education, the pause at the end of the calendar year is less a brand-new game and more of a “halftime.” With the fall semester complete, this moment offers exactly what halftime is designed to provide.

Specifically, a coach and team use the precious minutes of halftime to (1) rest, (2) review the strengths and challenges of the first half, and (3) make the strategic and tactical adjustments necessary for success in the second half. As D&E’s “coach,” looking out over a snow-covered landscape, our task is the same.

First, we rest. The book of Genesis tells us that after completing the work of creation, God rested on the seventh day. This concept of Sabbath is central to our humanity and essential to both the quality and quantity of life. During this break, students, faculty, and staff experience Sabbath—returning refreshed, renewed, and energized for the opportunities ahead.

Next comes reflection. This time allows us to look back on the fall semester and ask what lessons we can carry forward to strengthen the work ahead. Every area of the College—academics, enrollment management, student life, business operations, athletics, alumni relations, and governance—takes time to review, assess, and learn.

Finally, halftime requires adjustment. To finish the game—the academic year—strong, we must ask thoughtful questions. How effectively are we implementing our newly approved strategic plan, Forward? How are our new academic programs progressing? Are we on track for the launching of our first master’s degree as well as additional undergraduate offerings next fall? Are there budget adjustments or spending priorities that require attention?

As we approach the finish line of our $25 million Creating Home Capital Campaign, are we clearly and compellingly communicating both the need and the opportunity? Within Senator Nation athletics, are our efforts to strengthen a positive and supportive culture succeeding, and are our student-athletes experiencing exactly what we intend—both on and off the field? Meanwhile, as our physical plant continues to improve, excitement builds for the completion of the renovation of Gribble Residence Hall this spring and the beginning of Roxanna Booth Hall’s transformation in May.

A college is a living, dynamic community. For 122 years, ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř has strived to provide a high-quality, high-touch educational experience for students. Each December, this seasonal pause has been used intentionally—for Sabbath among our people and for thoughtful planning that keeps the institution on track. This year’s “halftime” continues that tradition, contributing to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient D&E.

For now, I am enjoying the pines and the falling snow. Soon enough, I will rejoin our rejuvenated students, faculty, and staff back on campus as the spring semester begins—ushering in exciting days of learning and transformation. We intend to finish this game with a win.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř

The post Reflecting Along the Journey appeared first on ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř.

Those earning the distinction of president’s list: Sidney Apanowicz, Fairmont, West Virginia; Christyna Armijo, Glendale, Arizona; Jonathan Armijos, East Hampton, New York; Alena Armstrong, Belle, West Virginia; David Bailey, Elkins, West Virginia; Nicholas Barrickman, Beverly, West Virginia; Nayo Barroso, Elkins, West Virginia; Bella Beaver, Elkview, West Virginia; Zoe Belshan, Floyd, Virginia; Jaden Bender, Philippi, West Virginia; Mary Beverage, Dunmore, West Virginia; Jackson Bigwood, Burgess Park New Plymouth, New Zealand; Carrie Bonner, Bowden, West Virginia; Cameron Branham, Arthur, West Virginia; Filippo Buffo, Legnago, Italy; Samy Burd, Boca Raton, Florida; Jocelyn Burnside, Hambleton, West Virginia; Taylor Cable, Montrose, West Virginia; Melanie Caldwell, Junior, West Virginia; Hillary Channell, Huttonsville, West Virginia; Lindsay Clendenen, Buckeye, West Virginia; Erin Collins, Elkins, West Virginia; Olivia Cook, Foster, West Virginia; Gabriela Crespo, Queens, New York; John Croyle, Morgantown, West Virginia; Erin Dettinger, Elkins, West Virginia; Alexander Dickinson, Elkins, West Virginia; Caio Dourado Dias Braga, Brasilia, Brazil; Jacob Dowdy, Cool Ridge, West Virginia; Tanner Eaves, Beverly, West Virginia; Alfred Elfstrom, Hackefors, Sweden; Joetta Elkins, Ashford, West Virginia; Lydia Falkenstein, Tallmansville, West Virginia; Greydon Fischer, Washington, D.C.; Trinity Fleming, Temecula, California; Deylana Forrest, Groveland, Florida; Peyton Friel, Marlinton, West Virginia; Malia Galan, Hamilton, Canada; Timo Gerach, Hassloch, Germany; Cooper Gibson, Ona, West Virginia; Victoria Gill, Moundsville, West Virginia; Emma Gioia, Vacaville, California; Emiliana Golac, Echazu, Bolivia; Guia Gomez, Donegal, Ireland; Makenzie Gregory, Jane Lew, West Virginia; Jillian Griffin, Wheeling, West Virginia; Yiftah Harari, Srigim-Li on, Israel; Umut Hatunoglu, Istanbul, Turkey; Alyssa Haynes, Pataskala, Ohio; Meg Henkle, Delphos, Ohio; Alexis Hewitt, Elkins, West Virginia; Lisa Hinchman, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Julian Hitt, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Julianne Hobson, Trenton, Ohio; Brooke Jacobs, Fort Ashby, West Virginia; Aries Jennings, Tunnelton, West Virginia; Luka Kalinic, Vrsac, Serbia; Louay Kassel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Amber Kesling, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Simon Kiekebeld, Nootdorp, Netherlands; Tiffany King, Volga, West Virginia; Kristia Kouppi, Cyprus; Laufey Kristinsdottir, Hlioar Rvk, Iceland; Fabienne Lahn, Blies Ebersing, France; Erin Laubscher, Durbanville, South Africa; Rafaela Leao Cota Moreira, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Aiden Lloyd, Beverly, West Virginia; Lauren Lockwood, Barboursville, West Virginia; Brooklyn Long, Ellamore, West Virginia; Francisco Lopez Kreik, Funes, Argentina; Benjamin Luengo, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Courtney Luikart, Liberty, West Virginia; Mackenzie Lyons, Davis, West Virginia; Zoe Mackey, Saint Albans, West Virginia; Shelby Marsh, Philippi, West Virginia; Sergio Martinez Laborda, Monteagudo, Spain; Willow Martz, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; Daphne McCann, Stockton, California; Kelsolynn McCullough, Mount Clare, West Virginia; Tyler McCune, Richwood, West Virginia; Grant Mealey, Weston, West Virginia; Sidney Megna, Fairmont, West Virginia; Kade Melton, Boonsboro, Maryland; Alyson Miller, Elkview, West Virginia; Jacob Milligan, Elkins, West Virginia; Madison Mims, Raleigh, North Carolina; Kelsea Moore, Westmeath, Canada; Alyssa Moss, Belington, West Virginia; Taylor Mudd, Sheridan, Wyoming; Jack Murphy, Shawnee Mission, Kansas; Chasidy Murray, Weston, West Virginia; Victoria Noonan, Albright, West Virginia; Christopher Osborn, Upperville, Virginia; Leonardo Oshiro, Jardim Itatiaia, Brazil; Melisa Ozsar, Turkey; Gabriela Pacheco Acevedo, Lima, Peru; Landon Paulson, Enosburg Falls, Vermont; Jeanne Pelissier, La Mézière, France; Justus Petersilie, Ratingen, Germany; Charles Phillips, Thetford, United Kingdom; Autumn Plauger, Elkins, West Virginia; Sydney Prince, Sunderland, Maryland; Gustavo Queiroz, Louveira, Brazil; Marcus Rader, Mill Creek, West Virginia; Maya Rayman, Pickering, Canada; Ariana Rectenwald, Saint Albans, West Virginia; Varshith Reddy Marreddy, Casa Botanica Premium Homes, India; Jaela Reid, Jessup, Maryland; Natasha Rivero-Deighan, Elkins, West Virginia; Raylynn Roberts, New Martinsville, West Virginia; Keira Robinson, Snellville, Georgia; Lorena Ruiz-Rubio, Long Beach, California; Brody Rumon, Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Reagan Saab, Mount Clare, West Virginia; Catalina Salas Ortega, Curridabat, Costa Rica; Kyra Sauerwein, Coalton, West Virginia; Nicole Schumacher, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Lincoln Scott, Elkins, West Virginia; Bethany Settle, Charleston, West Virginia; Rohan Shah, Bangkok, Thailand; Aleah Sharp, Mill Creek, West Virginia; Alyssa Sharp, Mill Creek, West Virginia; Rylan Sharp, Morgantown, West Virginia; Thomas Shaver, Morgantown, West Virginia; Bracie Sheets, Marlinton, West Virginia; Ava Sherman, Jessup, Pennsylvania; Amber Short, Cowen, West Virginia; Rochelle Shoulders, Beverly, West Virginia; Manuella Silva Cogliatti, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Kiara Sisler, Durbin, West Virginia; Mackenzie Skidmore, Philippi, West Virginia; Miranda Smith, Elkins, West Virginia; Ruby Smith, Masontown, West Virginia; Rachel Snedden, Hundred, West Virginia; Jan Spehar, Zagreb, Croatia; Shelley Steff, Elkins, West Virginia; Charla Stemple, Parsons, West Virginia; Edward Stephens-Truman, Lubbock, Texas; Ke’ya Stevens, Irving, New York; Wesley Strawderman, Parsons, West Virginia; Alyssa Stump, Williamstown, West Virginia; Sydnie Tate, Elkins, West Virginia; Carla Tegner, Solrod Strand, Denmark; Rebecca Tellez, Hagerstown, Maryland; Cathrynne Tenney, Beverly, West Virginia; Tommaso Tofani, Milan, Italy; Lauren Twyman, Vinton, Ohio; Ana Ubalde, Elkins, West Virginia; Julia Vasconcelos Vieira, Brazil; Bailey Verkouteren, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; Sierra Walesheck, Forest Lake, Minnesota; Haden Wamsley, Hambleton, West Virginia; Cayden Warfield, Millersburg, Pennsylvania; Rebekah Warren, Hambleton, West Virginia; Allyssa Waybright, Belington, West Virginia; Victoria Webster, Hedgesville, West Virginia; Lilly Wentzler, Pfaffenhofen, Germany; Hannah White, Kerens, West Virginia; Josephine Whorton, Moundsville, West Virginia; Emmalyn Whyte, Palmyra, Virginia; Spencer Willey, Pocatello, Idaho; Kimberly Winoker, Ringwood, Illinois; Christopher Wirahadipoernomo, Semarang, Indonesia; Joel Wise, Moundsville, West Virginia; Karmen Wolverton, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Ian Wood, Evans, West Virginia.

Those earning the distinction of dean’s list: Saige Abbott, Coshocton, Ohio; Rylee Anderson, Painesville, Ohio; Emma Andrews, Altavista, Virginia; Lydia Andrzejuk, Parker, Colorado; Tessa Banasiak, West Chicago, Illinois; Marissa Barajas, Clarksburg, West Virginia; April Belcher, Warrenton, Virginia; Britney Bond, Selbyville, West Virginia; Addison Boram, Walkersville, Maryland; Nicole Bramble, Elkins, West Virginia; Braelyn Brenneman, Accident, Maryland; Grace Bronkella, Greenwood, Indiana; Sophia Brown, Shipshewana, Indiana; Zachary Calef-Boring, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Brenda Castro, Manvel, Texas; Joao Vitor Cavaletti, Campinas, Brazil; Devon Channell, Beverly, West Virginia; Penelope Chavez, Washington, D.C.; Jackson Cogar, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Addyson Cogar, Elkins, West Virginia; Nicholas Colarossi, Hershey, Pennsylvania; Kristin Coleman, Parsons, West Virginia; Taylor Cooper, Bruceton Mills, West Virginia; Allison Cuellar, Stafford, Virginia; Cortney Dobbs, Pataskala, Ohio; Madeline Edicola, Sandston, Virginia; Kaitlyn England, Pleasant View, Tennessee; Isaac Ferguson, Barboursville, West Virginia; Preslee Fincham, Belington, West Virginia; Savannah Foley, Lake Stevens, Washington; London Frame, Elkins, West Virginia; Madison Frazier, Barboursville, West Virginia; Gabriel Glover, Middlebourne, West Virginia; Madison Godwin, Elkins, West Virginia; Alexia Gonzales, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Carson Gorby, Paden City, West Virginia; Luke Grilliot, Fairborn, Ohio; Diana Gutierrez, Lexington, Kentucky; Jacob Hamrick, Norton, West Virginia; Gavin Hardister, Randleman, North Carolina; Savanna Hardman, Martinsburg, West Virginia; Quinn Hazelett, Culloden, West Virginia; Faith Heater, Weston, West Virginia; Axel Hedreux, Rennes, France; Haiden Hedrick, Belington, West Virginia; Morgan Hill, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Jacklyn Howell, Coalton, West Virginia; Connor Hyde, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; Samantha Jarvis, Sun City, Arizona; Justin Kearney, Bentonville, Virginia; Fallyn Kelley, Hanover, Pennsylvania; Saylor Kneeland, Frederick, Maryland; Dylan Leadbetter, Myersville, Maryland; Maybellene Ledesma, Anaheim, California; Avery Linthicum, Frederick, Maryland; Jeremy Lis Rojas, Oakville, Canada; Gabriel Machala, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; Aidan Maldonado, St. Cloud, Florida; Tiffany Manning, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Juan Martinez Hess, Spain; Benjamin McComas, Charleston, West Virginia; Isabell McCormick, West Milford, West Virginia; Addison McDonald, Coalton, West Virginia; Jolie McGaughan, Longview, Washington; Payton Miller, Union, West Virginia; Aidan Miller, Elkins West Virginia; Tomas Miyagi, Martínez, Argentina; Hannes Morell, Uppsala, Sweden; Aiden Morey, Ocala, Florida; Mackenzie Mullan, Glen Burnie, Maryland; Cameron Murray, Rochester, New York; Brooke Nicklaus, Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Liebe Oosthuizen, Oudtshoorn, South Africa; Santiago Ordonez, Jamundi, Columbia; Jacob Orr, Calgary, Canada; Marcos Pacheco Padilla, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain; Andrea Pannell, Wytheville, Virginia; Kaitlyn Parker, Westmont, Illinois; Kendall Pellot Carrasquillo, Toa Alta, Puerto Rico; Rachel Petrice, Elkins, West Virginia; Kenzie Phillips, Elkins, West Virginia; Lillyan Plumley, Parsons, West Virginia; Ariona Plumley, Parsons, West Virginia; Logan Powell, Corsica, Pennsylvania; Emma Prater, Cowen, West Virginia; Savannah Quave, Felton, Pennsylvania; Samuel Rached, Cividad de Panama, Panama; Dallas Rasmussen, Tavares, Florida; Corbin Reilly, Bethesda, Maryland; Charlie Ressler, Weston, West Virginia; Rafael Revenga, Caracas, Venezuela; Walter Ridgley, Dewittville, New York; Gavin Rodriguez-Cayro, Lake Helen, Florida; Tomas Rumanko, Slovakia; Briyana Sapp, Riverview, Florida; Marina Saviceva-Noti, Odessa, Florida; Mark Shelley, Dundalk, Maryland; Bethany Shumway, Philippi, West Virginia; Nathaniel Silvus, McConnelsville, Ohio; Debra Smith, Petersburg, West Virginia; Madison Smith, Brea, California; Chiebuka Soribe, Silver Spring, Maryland; Tristan Starks, Grand Prairie, Texas; Colten Stasny, Elkins, West Virginia; Tom Strohschein, Hitdorf, Germany; Jaelynne Surface, Oak Hill, West Virginia; Maximillia Sutherland, Garland, Texas; Garrett Swecker, Elkins, West Virginia; Sierra Taylor, Moundsville, West Virginia; Charles Taylor, Alexandria, Virginia; Nathaniel Taylor, Stafford, Virginia; Maiah Teter, Harman, West Virginia; Isabelle Thomas, Wheeling, West Virginia; Darren Tjen, Indonesia; Jill Van der Velde, Herentals, Belgium; Fletcher Van Heuven, Te Aroha, New Zealand; Anthony Vera, Houston, Texas; Wouter Vondeling, Friesland, Netherlands; Jackson Waggy, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Jarrett Walters, Morgantown, West Virginia; Cade Walters, Apollo Beach, Florida; Lydia Wamsley, Valley Bend, West Virginia; MacKendrick Weber, Calgary, Canada; Cameryn Wheeler, Pataskala, Ohio; Zoey White, Elkins, West Virginia; Charlie Whitsed, Bendigo, Australia; Max Wildbore, Hastings, New Zealand; Abigail Wilfong, Parsons, West Virginia; John Wilkins, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Viktor Yanev, Sofia, Bulgaria; Jose Zavala, Stoneville, North Carolina; Sasha Zirkle, Elkins, West Virginia.

“We want to congratulate all the students on the president’s and dean’s list for the Fall semester,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mike Mattison. “Inclusion on these lists indicates a lot of hard work and perseverance – hours spent in class, studying, writing papers, giving presentations. It is a mark of a semester well spent, a reward well earned.”

The post Dean’s List, President’s List Announced for Fall 2025 Semester appeared first on ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř.

The ACA, through its 2025-2026 Faculty Fellowships, seeks to furnish financial support to member institutions’ faculty for post-doctoral research or pre-doctoral completion in the 2026-2027 academic year.  This year, 31 faculty members representative of 23 institutions have been granted this prestigious opportunity.

The Lady Widow is a narrative fiction short film that explores themes of liberation, gender equity, and self-determination in the wake of World War I.  The project features D&E alumni both in front of and behind the camera.  Principle Photography was completed earlier this year over four days of filming at Graceland Inn & Restaurant and on private property in Doddridge County.  Funding from the ACA will support post-production actions of editing, color correction, sound design, music composition, sound mixing, and visual effects.

“This project is a personal labor of love,” says Martin.  “It also showcases D&E’s commitment to faculty-led creative research that integrates artistry, scholarship, and teaching.  The College has been immensely supportive with both encouragement and resources.  I’m hopeful the finished film will enhance the visibility of the Theatre and Film program, and serve as both a recruitment tool and an example of the high-caliber work that can emerge from a small liberal arts environment.”

The Lady Widow is tentatively set to be completed by April of 2026 for a film festival run.

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We have literally “decked the halls” to reflect the warmth of the season. Christmas trees glow softly in the gathering spaces of our buildings, twinkling lights brighten the evenings, and fresh pine is in the air. These simple decorations remind us that home is not just a place; it is a feeling—a sense of comfort, welcome, and community. Even students far from their families discover that they are not alone here. They are surrounded by friends, mentors, and a campus family who create a home for one another.

One of the defining qualities of a true home is the way it shapes hearts toward service. This season, our students once again stepped out to bless the wider community, offering their time and talents in meaningful ways. Our students are providing crafts and games to Elkins-area children at the community tree lighting celebration. Led by our Student Government Association as well as Staff Council, food is being both collected and purchased for the community food pantry sponsored by our friends at Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church. Our Greek organizations are sponsoring gifts for local children through the Angel Tree Project, and faith-based student organizations are supporting Operation Christmas Child. These acts of service show that home is not a place we keep to ourselves—it is something we share.

That spirit of togetherness shines brightly at the annual Community Christmas Parade where a few hundred of our student-athletes join Lisa and me as we make our way down Randolph Avenue. We walk this parade route in unity, representing D&E with pride and joy, reminding the greater community that our campus home is an essential part of the heartbeat of our town.

The campus community will soon be gathering for my most beloved tradition of the season: the Service of Lessons and Carols. This evening of worship draws members of the campus and Elkins community together as one family. Inside the Robbins Memorial Chapel, filled with familiar carols and sacred readings, we celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season.

At its core, Christmas is about giving—giving gifts, giving time, giving ourselves. This spirit of giving naturally flows from God’s gift bestowed to us: Emmanual, God with us. The coming of the Baby of Bethlehem reminds us that we find our true home in Him, and through Him we learn what it means to love, serve, and welcome others.

As we embrace this holy season, I am deeply grateful for the home we share on this campus. It is a home built on faith, strengthened by community, and brightened by generosity. It is a place where students discover who they are and who they are called to become. It is a blessing to celebrate the holidays together in a campus we proudly call home.

May your Christmas be filled with peace, joy, and the warmth of home—here and wherever this season finds you.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
ĚÇĐÄvlogąŮÍř

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