After earning his accounting degree from West Virginia University, Jake Ellis expected his career might take him beyond the state’s borders. Instead, a chance introduction to First Ascent, the nation’s first talent retention program of its kind, opened his eyes to the professional opportunities, community, and quality of life waiting for him right here in West Virginia.
A missing body. A 63-year-old cold case. A tight-knit community in southern West Virginia. For West Virginia College of Law student Grant Joynes, it’s part of the job.
Sometimes things just fall into place. That’s what Gracen Purkey, an alum of the exercise physiology program, says happened when she started planning for college and then continued through her West Virginia University journey.
As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, William Hal Gorby, a teaching associate professor and director of undergraduate advising in the West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Department of History, sees a common thread running through both stories: the belief that education helps communities adapt, grow and prosper.
Customers are screaming for ice cream, thanks to an app developed by Jeremy Bliner, a Pittsburgh native and a student in the West Virginia University online Master of Science in Software Engineering program.
Through a student-led podcast, future doctors at the West Virginia University School of Medicine are capturing personal stories from medical professionals while exploring the realities of practicing medicine in Mountain State communities. What started as a learning opportunity is growing into a statewide effort to connect students, physicians and the future of rural health care.
For Doina Jikich, the inspiration to support international students at West Virginia University began with a journey shaped by hardship, resilience and gratitude. Now retired and living in Daytona Beach, Florida, she is creating opportunities for a global community with a scholarship gift to benefit WVU international students.
One of the best athletic trainers in the nation works at West Virginia University Potomac State College. Carita Mills was honored by the National Junior College Athletic Association as the 2026 National Athletic Trainer of the Year during its national conference in Kansas City.
Miyah Swiger, a student at the West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, traveled to Spain for the FFA International Leadership Seminar for State Officers. The two-week trip brought together state FFA officers from across the country to make connections and strengthen knowledge of global agriculture.
From future engineers and educators to researchers, artists and health care leaders, the newest graduates of West Virginia University are ready to carry the Mountaineer spirit into communities across the state and beyond. Meet members of the Class of 2026 whose stories reflect the determination, resilience and purpose that define the WVU experience.