West Virginia University Police have confirmed Benjamin Pravecek, a 20-year-old business major from Harpers Ferry, died Friday afternoon (April 16). Officers are continuing their investigation, but early indications suggest no foul play was involved.
The Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded a two-year, nearly $500,000 grant to WVU for the project, “West Virginia Inspiring Hope,” to enhance and expand the existing recovery-to-work ecosystem, including training, job placement, recovery treatment, housing and transportation.
A first-generation college student who aspires to become a physician-researcher, will use her role as West Virginia University’s 2021 Newman Civic Fellow to undertake a year-long project to increase access to engineering mentorships for young women in West Virginia. Savannah Hays, an Honors biomedical engineering major in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will help form at least two SWENext chapters, the high school equivalent of the Society of Women Engineers, to serve young women ages 13-17.
Abigail Smith, a West Virginia University student committed to improving the future of West Virginia through public policy, has been named the University’s 25th Truman Scholar, the nation’s top graduate fellowship award for aspiring public service leaders.
West Virginia University will pause administration of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine based on a joint recommendation released Tuesday (April 13) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. WVU strongly recommends all students and employees be vaccinated for COVID-19.
Applications are now being accepted for the seventh round of grants through an enrichment fund established by Women of WVU.
Gov. Jim Justice announced on Monday (April 12) the launch of the nation’s premier remote work program, aimed at recruiting outdoor enthusiast professionals to the Mountain State. The program, called Ascend WV, supported by West Virginia native Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys, will allow adventurers to enjoy world-class recreation, uncrowded spaces, and a low cost of living while staying fully connected to their jobs, and it comes with the country’s best remote worker incentive package: $12,000 and a year’s worth of free outdoor recreation.
The West Virginia University Foundation honored donors whose recent planned gifts will benefit the future of the University. The Irvin Stewart Society virtually welcomed 132 new members at its 26th celebration event April 9. WVU President Gordon Gee and WVU Foundation President & CEO Cindi Roth were main speakers at the event. A recorded version of the ceremony is available here.
Retired United States Navy rear admiral and former chief of the U.S. Navy Dental Corps, Dr. Stephen Pachuta, has been appointed dean of West Virginia University’s School of Dentistry by Dr. Clay Marsh, vice president and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences.
As part of continuing efforts to increase transparency and better evaluate resources, West Virginia University recently launched a new Public Safety Advisory Committee to partner with the University Police Department to meet the needs of its diverse campus community.