Three deserving individuals — Sherry St. Clair, Kathy Clingerman and Doina Jikich — will be honored by the WVU Division of Student Life during a ceremony Monday afternoon in the Mountainlair Ballrooms. (WVU Graphic)
The first female chief of West Virginia University Police who consistently goes above and beyond her duties for the campus community, a former Mountainlair reservations supervisor known for her welcoming smile and customer satisfaction, and a seasoned international educator devoted to the success of international students will be honored for their outstanding contributions to the University.
The Division of Student Life will recognize Chief Sherry St. Clair as the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award, and induct Kathy Clingerman and Doina Jikich into the 2024 Hall of Fame during a ceremony beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 7) in the Mountainlair Ballrooms.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony as well as a reception that will follow at 4 p.m.
Chief Sherry St. Clair
Committed to keeping the campus community safe for 30 years, St. Clair was named the University’s first female chief in 2021. Known for her proactive approach to policing, she immerses UPD officers in daily campus life to help build strong relationships with students, faculty and staff. St. Clair said she believes positive community engagement and open communication is key to fostering a culture of trust and respect.
She joined the department as a housing patrolman in 1994 while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Fairmont State University, and in 1995, she completed training at the West Virginia State Police Academy. Since then, St. Clair has taken on various roles of increasing responsibility within the department.
St. Clair has completed several training and certification programs during her tenure at WVU, including the nationally recognized Police Executive Development program through Pennsylvania State University.
A dedicated member of the CARE Team, a cross-functional team that helps at-risk students access support and assistance, she also serves on the Monongalia County Sexual Assault Response Team, among other groups.
“Consistently going above and beyond to meet the needs of students, Sherry is the epitome of what it means to be student-centered,” said Morgan Sharpless, director of CARE. “She always makes time to consult with the CARE team during emergencies, and she even makes it a point to come out and transport students who feel more comfortable with a female officer. The University is incredibly lucky to have her as its chief of police.”
Kathy Clingerman
After 43 years of service to the University, Clingerman retired in April. Before her retirement, she served as the supervisor of reservations at the Mountainlair student union for 37 years. Over the years, many have come to know Clingerman for her warm smile, great conversation and her ability to always meet customer needs.
With a keen eye for detail, she oversaw the scheduling of more than 3,000 events held each year at the Mountainlair. The numerous successful events held throughout the years showcased her dedication and commitment to the WVU community and other guests.
Prior to her position at the Mountainlair, Clingerman worked as a conference services representative for Housing and Residence Life. She also served as an advisor for the Mountaineer Week committee and a member of the Association of College Unions International.
In 2013, she was awarded Most Loyal Staff Mountaineer.
Doina Jikich
After 30 years of service to WVU, Jikich retired in 2019. Prior to her retirement she served as the executive director for international students and scholars services in the Office of Global Affairs.
Her law degree, combined with her experience as an immigrant, equipped her to help international students navigate cultural adjustments and thrive in a new environment. Successfully networking with congressional and senatorial offices in West Virginia to secure support for international student immigration cases, Jikich also worked to ensure University compliance with immigration regulations.
During her time at WVU, she also served as a co-instructor at the College of Law School Immigration Clinic and immigration director of what is now the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.
Jikich earned a law degree from the University of Bucharest in 1972 and immigrated to the United States after fleeing Communist Romania with her husband in 1983.
Fulfilling her dream of investing in the power of cultural diversity to enrich the University’s academic community, she established the Doina Jikich Scholarship in 2023.
Read more about the Student Life Hall of Fame.
-WVU-
ta/10/2/24
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