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  June 2020
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Greetings West Virginia State Family!  I hope this finds you well, safe and you are enjoying your summer.  It is an honor to serve as Interim President of our beloved West Virginia State University. Since my transition to Interim President on May 16, 2020, the University’s Leadership Team has been working on the development of a plan to re-open the University for face-to-face classes in a safe and efficient manner. Earlier this month, 24 sub-committees were formed and they presented concerns and recommendations for key university areas.  The Leadership Team is reviewing all of those recommendations to finalize the plans to re-open campus and hold face-to-face classes beginning August 10, 2020.  We are taking all measures to provide a safe, positive learning environment and look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus in the days ahead.

Take care, stay well.

byers signature

R. Charles Byers, Ph.D.

Interim President

Click here for an important message: interim president video

Welcome, New Alumni
Congratulations to the Class of 2020 

A special welcome to the West Virginia State University's newest alumni, the class of 2020! We wish you the very best in your new journey as a college graduate. Don't forget to join the WVSU Alumni Group on LinkedIn and stay in touch via Facebook and Twitter. To get the latest State news and event information, and access to all WVSU social media sites, sign up for your free account on connect.wvstateu.edu. 

2020 virtual commencement

Turf Project Almost Complete on

Cal Bailey Field!

Cal Bailey

Work on the project to place synthetic turf on the infield of Cal Bailey Field, home of the Yellow Jackets baseball team, is nearing completion. The field is named for legendary State baseball coach Cal Bailey who passed away earlier this year. We can’t wait to see the Yellow Jackets in action back on this new infield when games are able to resume! 

West Virginia State Family Mourns the Passing of Coach Cal Bailey

West Virginia State University lost a legendary coach, leader and mentor with the passing of Calvin L. Bailey, Head Baseball Coach of the Yellow Jackets from 1978-2014, on Sunday, April 22, 2020. "We are deeply saddened by the news of Cal's passing," said Athletic Director Nate Burton. " He was one of the greatest coaches, not only in West Virginia State University history but in the state of West Virginia. Coach will be missed by the entire WVSU...  Read More

SPOTLIGHT on YOUNG ALUMNUS  
Artist Anthony Young, '14

candlelight

Candlelight Vigil
2019 - Oil on Canvas 48X32

anthony young

 Anthony completed his BA in Art here at WVSU in 2014 and went on to the School of Fine Arts in Boston where he completed his MFA. According to his former professor and current Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Robert Wallace, Anthony has worked hard to gain a name for himself as a visual artist in Boston.  

Anthony's painting "Candlelight Vigil" has just been acquired by the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Recently, The Boston Globe featured him in an article about black artists visually calling out racism. Please see the links below.

WVSU Art Professor Molly Erlandson stated, "While I could say that what we do at WVSU is now more important than ever, I believe we have always been doing important work. Anthony is just one among many alumni that are evidence of our outreach and message."  

Congratulations Anthony! We could all do with some happy, positive news during this uncertain time and it doesn't get much happier than this! The entire Yellow Jacket family is sending best wishes for your future endeavors. 

https://www.mfa.org/press-release/contemporary-art-initiatives-2020

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/01/08/arts/drawing-black-experiences-with-caricature-portraiture/

https://www.instagram.com/anthonypeytonyoung/?hl=en

WVSU Homecoming 2020 
Have you completed the HC survey?

2020 hc survey logo

We want to hear from you! Deadline to complete Homecoming Survey: June 15, 2020.
Please take a few moments to participate in this brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WVSU2020HC 

Nominations are now being accepted for the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award, Young Professional Achievement Award, 'W' Club Sports Hall of Fame, and ROTC Hall of Fame. Please consider alumni you know who have significant career achievements, community service history, and history of service to West Virginia State University and its mission, and nominate one or more for these prestigious awards by filling out the appropriate form. 

Deadlines are Quickly Approaching...

Young Professional Achievement Award Nomination Form

Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Nomination Form
Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Criteria
'W' Club Sports Hall of Fame Nomination Form
'W' Club Sports Hall of Fame Nomination Letter 

ROTC Hall of Fame Nomination Information 

More Information on Homecoming Coming Soon!


Changes to Fall Academic Calendar

West Virginia State University plans to hold face-to-face classes for the fall 2020 semester utilizing a modified academic calendar.

The fall semester will begin on Monday, Aug. 10, and will conclude on Friday, Nov. 20, prior to the University’s Thanksgiving Break.

Finals will take place the week of Nov. 16-20, and fall commencement is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21.

“We have made these adjustments to our fall academic calendar based on the best information we have available at this time as it relates to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said WVSU Interim President R. Charles Byers. “The University’s Leadership Team has discussed at great length the possibilities for reopening, and we believe... Read more

KJ plaza bricks

 

Thanks to the support of alumni and friends, we are moving forward with enhancing the Katherine Johnson Plaza. This is a unique opportunity to support the Katherine  Coleman Goble Johnson Scholarship through campus beautification. 

All engraved bricks and benches will be installed in time for viewing at homecoming. To ensure your name is displayed by then, please submit payment by August 1, 2020. 

Consider making your mark on the new Katherine Johnson Plaza today.  

ETCH YOUR NAME INTO THE HISTORY OF YOUR ALMA MATER! 

Go to: https://connect.wvstateu.edu/katherinejohnson

Stay Safe Yellow Jackets! We Care! 

Words of comfort sent to you on behalf of the WVSU National Alumni Association...

Covid poem Fanucci

WVSUNAA National Conference
SAVE-THE-DATE 
NAA conference 2021

 

The 25th NAA National Alumni Conference was postponed in the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 as our country temporarily banned gatherings of all sizes. Good news~ the conference has been rescheduled and will take place at the same venue in Baltimore, during the same week next year! Conference postponement announcement Click here

 

CORONAVIRUS Campus Update

For further information and latest updates about steps, WVSU is taking to protect our students, faculty and staff visit: https://www.wvstateu.edu/about/coronavirus.aspx
Covid Coronavirus image

Campus News

West Virginia State University Communications Team Wins National Awards.
Click Here for more information.

WVSU Assistant Vice President of Business and Human Resources Honored By The State Journal.
Click Here for more information.  

West Virginia State University Spring 2020 Dean's List Released. 
Click Here for more information.

West Virginia State University To See No Tuition Increases For Third Consecutive Year.
Click Here for more information.

West Virginia State University Extension Service Announces Virtual 4-H Summer Programs. 
Click Here for more information

West Virginia State University Extension Service to Host Virtual Workshop on Forest Management Planning June 18. 
Click Here for more information.

Don't miss out on the exciting things happening on campus and across our alumni family! Follow us on Social Media for daily posts!

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Contact Us

WVSU Alumni Relations
Belinda Fuller, Director of Alumni Relations
Amber Cunningham, Alumni Relations Specialist
100 East Hall P.O. Box 1000, Institute, WV 25112-1000
alumni@wvstateu.edu | 304.766.3387 | 304.766.4121

#StateStandsStrong
#YellowJacketsAgainstRacism
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