There is no “right” path to take to get to college, and this rings true for West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources senior Jay Rossell who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries resources.
West Virginia Institute of Technology grad Sam Miller started out in chemical engineering, but segued to forensic investigation after realizing he could apply his love for chemistry in a practical setting. Then, in his junior year, a few criminal justice classes and an internship with the Public Defender’s Office helped him find his purpose. Miller will be attending the WVU College of Law this fall.
Dr. Ali Rezai, executive chair of the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, has received the 2025 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. In selecting Dr. Rezai, the Ellis Island Honors Society cited his pioneering work in neuroscience using technologies such as focused ultrasound and deep brain stimulation to unlock new potential in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, addiction and other conditions.
Tim South, a student in the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, has swam all the Class V rapids and most of the Class IV rapids, on the Lower Gauley River. That kind of courage and determination helped him in his pursuit of a doctoral degree.
Sharing their knowledge with global audiences, West Virginia University experts have reached more than 10 million news readers through a partnership with The Conversation U.S., a nonprofit, independent publisher of explanatory journalism.
Education has taken Sandra Ayivor, a West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences higher education administration doctoral student, a long way from her home in Ghana. But hard work and commitment to her personal mantra — “victory starts in the mind” — have paid off as Ayivor sets her sights on Commencement.
When Carson Cochran was 8 years old, his art teacher asked the class to set a long-term goal and paint one eye of a Daruma doll — a traditional Japanese figure symbolizing perseverance. The other eye is painted once the goal is achieved. That day, Cochran decided his goal was to become a dentist.
To help farmers and ranchers incorporate agritourism into their business models, a West Virginia University researcher will be coordinating with a team of national experts to develop guidelines for generating agritourism revenue.
When Zyiah and Zakiah Bailey walked into their first class at the West Virginia University School of Nursing, they didn’t just sit down as students. They sat down as sisters, best friends and future nurses. Now, the Fairmont natives are preparing to graduate together with their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
Lydia Ferrell, a Kingwood native and master’s degree student in the West Virginia University School of Public Health, chose the field to help create conditions where everyone can utilize preventative measures and healthy behaviors to increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives.