West Liberty State College President Robin Capehart said the caring and committed efforts of the college's board of governors, faculty and students are the reasons the college is strong, vibrant, energetic and growing.
During convocation ceremonies in the Kelly Theatre on Wednesday, Capehart highlighted the college's rich history, speaking specifically of 1943 - a year of change and of challenges at West Liberty. Some 65 years later, Capehart said, the institution continues to evolve.
"It was during that year (1943) that through the efforts of Dr. Paul Elbin, president of West Liberty State Teachers' College, and state Sen. James Paull of Wellsburg that a bill was drafted and introduced in the West Virginia Legislature that would broaden the institution's charter to permit the college to offer undergraduate curricula beyond teacher education," Capehart said.
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Photo by Bethany A. Romanek
Stephanie North, an admissions counselor at West Liberty State College, accepts an award of excellence from college President Robin Capehart during convocation ceremonies Wednesday. Several classified staff members and longtime employees were honored for their dedication to the institution.
As the debate over the bill continued on the floor of Legislature, senators and delegates added amendments that eventually expanded the bill to include all of the state's teachers colleges. The bill ultimately passed and in June 1943, West Liberty State Teachers' College became West Liberty State College.
"Reminiscent of 1943, we as a campus community anxiously anticipate that the upcoming academic year will be a year of change - a year in which we will take the next step in the long and proud history of this institution - a year in which West Liberty State College will become West Liberty University," Capehart said. "However, in contrast to 1943, we as an institution are presently poised to capitalize on this opportunity and make this year not only a year of change - but a year of transformation."
Capehart said this transformation will include lifting the academic ceiling by expanding curriculum to include graduate education. The institution's first post-graduate degree will be a master's in education that Capehart expects to launch later this year. Plans are already under way to provide additional graduate degrees in areas that will meet the needs of the community, the region and the state.
"Our hope and optimism rests on the report I offer to you today, and that is a result of your caring and committed effort," Capehart said. "The state of the college is strong, is vibrant, is energetic and is growing."
Capehart said while last year may be characterized as a year of transition, this year may be considered a year of transformation - a year for college officials to plan judiciously, invest prudently and communicate effectively.
In order to communicate more effectively, Capehart said on the second Wednesday of each month his office will offer a report focused on issues affecting the campus that will be accompanied by a budget and finance report in order to provide the campus community with a better understanding of fiscal issues and budget decisions.
"For too many years, it is our belief that the financial condition of the college has been confined within the knowledge of a few, thus creating a self-sustaining power base and fueling suspicion and a silo mentality that has hindered - or even prevented - the development of the sense of teamwork that is so important to the success of an organization," he said. "This year that will end, and it's our hope that an environment of respect through open exchange will emerge."
Also during the convocation, employees of the college who have dedicated 10, 15, 20 or 25 years or more were recognized for their efforts.
Several classified staff members and longtime employees also were honored.