WVU specialist puts teaching experience to work for new employees
Amy Metz brings decades of teaching experience to her role as a senior training and development specialist supporting new WVU employees. (WVU Photo/Jalyn Lamp)
Amy Metz has always had a passion for teaching. Now, as a senior training and development specialist for West Virginia University Learning and Organizational Development, her students are the faculty and staff she meets during New Mountaineer Orientation.
Originally from Lewis County, Metz came to WVU in 1993 to study elementary education, going on to earn a master’s degree in literacy education, which she credits with establishing her career.
“I never wanted to be anything other than an elementary teacher,” Metz said. “When I graduated, there were more teachers than jobs. I was grateful for the training I received from WVU because that’s what got me a job.”
Drawing on her background as an elementary educator, Metz now teaches WVU faculty and staff through New Mountaineer Orientation. (WVU Photo/Jalyn Lamp)
After a successful, decades-long career as a reading specialist for elementary students, Metz discovered a new opportunity in 2024 at WVU — a chance to educate in a new way.
“It wasn’t that I was unhappy, but I am never someone who closes a door,” Metz said. “It was like being at a crossroads. I wanted to try something new.”
At the time, WVU Talent and Culture was also at a crossroads. The COVID-19 pandemic changed almost everything about the onboarding experience for new employees at WVU, and the office was looking for someone to help bring it back. As Metz put it, “It was meant to be.”
Metz joined the “small but mighty” LOD team that includes Sarah Seime, Hannah Peterson, Meg Tehrani, and Kristie Woodward. One of Metz’s first tasks was to bring back in-person new employee orientation. After consulting with leaders across the University, the new and improved New Mountaineer Orientation was born.
Metz helps new employees feel welcomed, informed, and connected to the University. (WVU Photo/Jalyn Lamp)
Though new employees still get general onboarding tasks from their supervisor, New Mountaineer Orientation provides an experience that has been missing since 2020 — the ability to connect in person with other new employees across units, while learning about University culture, the Strategic Compass, and the greater impact WVU has on the state and beyond.
“It helps the person start off on a positive and welcoming note,” Metz said. “Research shows that if a person is happy at work, they’ll be more successful in their job. I think the unit leaders are happy that the culture element is being addressed.”
Along with New Mountaineer Orientation, the LOD team has also launched a virtual training, the New Employee Journey, that is designed for new hires but available to any WVU employee who wants a refresher on the University community.
“Folks who have been here for years have wanted to see the course,” Metz said. “With the depth and breadth of WVU, I’m constantly learning new things. I’ve looked at the course and thought, ‘I forgot we had that,’ so it’s good for everybody.”
For Metz, New Mountaineer Orientation offers a new way to continue her lifelong passion for teaching. (WVU Photo/Jalyn Lamp)
When it comes to New Mountaineer Orientation, what began as an idea became an educational collaboration within LOD and extended to other units.
“The LOD team are the most genuine, kind, good people I could have dreamed to work with,” Metz said. “They are my biggest cheerleaders and have supported me as the training grew and became more complex. Throughout the orientation sessions, we’ll also have rotating facilitators from across the University, and other Talent and Culture leaders have asked to serve in those roles.”
For Metz, joining LOD has allowed her to keep teaching in a much different way, while still using skills from her elementary days.
“Part of my job is to really understand, listen, and ask the right questions to know what new employees need,” Metz said.
“In the elementary setting, it’s diagnostics and activities to understand what’s going on. Many adults will come to me with very broad ideas, which is perfectly fine. It’s part of my job to help narrow down what specifically their team wants. That connective piece is so important because that’s where you uncover the need.”
Through her work at WVU, Metz helps faculty and staff begin their own Mountaineer journeys. (WVU Photo/Jalyn Lamp)
The connectedness that makes a good teacher isn’t just a learned skill for Metz — it’s part of her personality.
“One of my top five CliftonStrengths is connectedness, which I’m told is rare. Every training I do, I make some cool connection, and I love it.”
Find more information about new Mountaineer Orientation.
-WVU-