BSU News

MOU Opens Greater Opportunity for BSU Students

A Memorandum of Understanding between Bluefield State University and the Harding University College of Pharmacy (HUCOP) offers a process for qualifying B-State students to be admitted into the HUCOP doctor of pharmacy degree program after successfully completing an on-site or virtual interview with HUCOP.

Bluefield State University establishes a chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma

Bluefield State University has been accepted into the National College Athlete Honor Society as the West Virginia Eta Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma (XAΣ), which recognizes student-athletes from accredited four-year NCAA, NAIA, USCAA, or NCCAA institutions who excel in both the classroom and competition.

“Leadership WV” Program a “Door Opening Experience" for BSU’s Tim McKenzie

Timothy McKenzie, BSU Administrator/"Leadership West Virginia" graduate

Bluefield State University administrator Timothy McKenzie recently completed a seven-month “Leadership West Virginia” program that prepares and mobilizes leaders to move West Virginia forward. Forty West Virginians were selected to take part in the program, whose focus is developing a cross-section of leaders to invest their talents into improving the business environment and quality of life throughout the state.

Bluefield City Board Honors BSU Chancellor Garry Moore

The Reverend Garry Moore (foreground) was honored by the Bluefield City Board of Directors at its November 22 meeting. Moore, the first Chancellor in Bluefield State University’s history, received a resolution citing his service to church, community, and BSU. Pictured (second row, left-to-right) are Board members Treyvon Simmons, Peter Taylor, and Matt Knowles.

The Bluefield City Board of Directors has honored the Reverend Garry Moore for his service to the city, the region, and Bluefield State University. Moore recently became the first Chancellor in BSU’s 127-year history. At its November 22 meeting, Board Vice Mayor Peter Taylor read, then presented to Moore, a resolution that recognized for his 32 years of service as pastor of Scott Street Baptist Church in Bluefield, his quarter-century of service to Bluefield State, and his civic service as a former mayor and member of the city’s Board of Directors.

West Virginia secures $210,000 federal grant to expand international education opportunities at West Virginia State University and Bluefield State University

Dr. Sudhakar Jamkhandi, Bluefield State University Professor of English and Director/Office of International Initiatives Department

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), West Virginia State University (WVSU) and Bluefield State University (BSU) have received a $210,00 two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help carry out programs to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages in West Virginia. The grant, combined with the Commission’s international efforts, will empower more students in West Virginia to develop foreign language proficiency, engage in international internships, and pursue study abroad opportunities.The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), West Virginia State University (WVSU) and Bluefield State University (BSU) have received a $210,00 two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help carry out programs to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages in West Virginia. The grant, combined with the Commission’s international efforts, will empower more students in West Virginia to develop foreign language proficiency, engage in international internships, and pursue study abroad opportunities.

B-State Student-Athletes Assist Read Aloud WV “Snuggle & Read” Program

Thirteen Bluefield State University student-athletes and the BSU mascot, “Sir Blue,” (pictured here) assisted the recent “Snuggle & Read” program, presented by Read Aloud WV of Mercer County. Young children (ages 2-5) and their families from Mercer County took part in the program at the Mercer County Technical Education Center.

It’s a special moment, some would say “magical,” when an adult reads aloud to a young boy or girl. Recently, more than a dozen Bluefield State University student-athletes helped the “magic” happen by assisting in the Read Aloud WV of Mercer County’s “Snuggle & Read” program. Young children (ages 2 to 5) and their families from Mercer County attended the program at the Mercer County Technical Education Center.

BSU Radiologic Technology Student Teams Compete in State Conference

Bluefield State University/Beckley campus Radiologic Technology student team members (left-to-right) Hanna Lipps, Kiera Humphrey, Chelsey Adkins, and alternate Hailey Mitchem finished fifth in a statewide quiz bowl involving student teams from all 17 RadTech programs in West Virginia.

Two Bluefield State University student teams competed in the West Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists’ (WVSRT) annual conference at Canaan Valley Resort earlier this month. The annual conference featured a diverse program covering current trends in medical imaging to enhance professionalism and optimize patient care quality.

BSU Seminar Focuses on Culturally Competent Care for the LBGTQ Community

More than 250 Bluefield State University nursing students and health care professionals attended a recent seminar devoted to the importance of affirmative and Inclusive health care for the LGBTQ people. Scott Pitt, chair of LGBTQ initiatives at BSU, Julie Orr, BSU Associate Professor of Nursing, and a BSU School of Nursing and Allied Health planning committee collaborated in preparing and presenting the program. The session included a roundtable discussion by members of the LGBTQ community, who talked about the hurdles and barriers they have encountered while trying to access health care.

President Capehart Delivers “State of the University Address”

“Accept the challenge.” That’s the oft-repeated phrase that provided the central theme for Bluefield State President Robin Capehart’s recent “State of the University Address” to the BSU community.

BSU Faculty Member Dr. Jeffrey Yeager’s Thesis Cited in the Steinbeck Review

Dr. Jeffrey Yeager, Bluefield State University

Students in Dr. Jeffrey Yeager’s American and World Literature classes at Bluefield State University will benefit from their faculty member’s expertise into the life and works of Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist John Steinbeck. An excerpt from Yeager’s master’s thesis, which was published in the journal the Steinbeck Review

B-State Student Awarded IBTTA Scholarship

Patrice Sterling, a B-State student, has been awarded an International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association Foundation scholarship

Bluefield State University student Patrice Sterling has received one of five $5,000 scholarships from the International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) Foundation. Of the five IBTTA scholarships, one was allocated for a student attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

Garry Moore Becomes First Chancellor in BSU History

Garry Moore, Bluefield State University Chancellor

Garry Moore has observed and participated in the life of Bluefield State for most of his life. As Pastor of Scott Street Baptist Church and as former mayor and member of the City of Bluefield Board of Directors, he thoroughly understands that the future of Bluefield and Bluefield State are “hard wire” connected. After serving for many years as a member and chair of Bluefield State’s Board of Governors, Moore and Bluefield State are making history once again. He is now the first Chancellor in the 127-year history of the school.

Bluefield State University Student Peyton Whitt Recognized as BSU’s “Top Engineering Technology Freshman”

Bluefield State University student Peyton Whitt, Bluefield State University’s “Top Engineering Technology Freshman.

Peyton Whitt has been selected as Bluefield State University’s top Engineering Technology Freshman for the 2021-2022 Academic Year as the recipient of the “Claude B. Dalton Scholarship.” He is a Mechanical Engineering Technology major and has a 4.0 cumulative GPA. Whitt, a Peterstown, WV resident, is a James Monroe High School graduate.

WV Governor Praises Establishment of Pocahontas Land Coal Producers Endowed Professorship

WV Governor Jim Justice salutes the establishment of the Pocahontas Land Coal Producers Endowed Professorship. The goal—to re-establish the Mining Engineering Technology program at Bluefield State University. Warrior Met Coal Company COO Jack Richardson, a 1984 Bluefield State Mining Engineering Technology graduate, was a featured speaker at the event.

During a program attended by WV Governor Jim Justice and many coal industry leaders, Pocahontas Land and Bluefield State University announced that they’ve partnered to establish the Pocahontas Land Coal Producers Endowed Professorship. The goal—to re-establish the Mining Engineering Technology program at BSU. Warrior Met Coal Company COO Jack Richardson, a 1984 Bluefield State Mining Engineering Technology graduate, was a featured speaker at the program. Richardson began his career as one of the first Bluefield State’s Mining Engineering grads to be hired by Consol. His success opened the door of opportunity for many BSU Engineering graduates.

Bluefield State University’s MBA Program Underway

Dr. Jerry Wood, Director of the Bluefield State University Business Administration Program at the W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business, discusses course content with MBA students in the program.

The W. Paul Cole Jr., College of Business at Bluefield State University welcomes Dr. Jerry Wood the new Director of the BSU Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program. “Dr. Wood is an experienced, and highly respected leader and MBA Director. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a growth mindset that will assist in propelling the W. Paul Cole Jr., College of Business at Bluefield State University into the future,” noted Karen Grogan, Interim Dean, Cole School of Business.

Innovation Academy Internship Elevates BSU Student Patrice Sterling’s Career Aspirations

Bluefield State University student Patrice Sterling, Microsoft/Cyborg Mobile Innovation Academy Internship Participant

Bluefield State University sophomore Patrice Sterling took full advantage of her intensive seven-week summer internship working with professional engineer. Sterling, a Kingston, Jamaica resident and Computer Science major, was one of only 104 students chosen from more than 2000 applicants to take part in the New Technologists Innovation Academy.

Betty Nash Selected as Bluefield State University “Faculty of the Year, 2021-’22” Recipient

Betty Nash--BSU Faculty of the Year Recipient, with Dr. Ted Lewis, Bluefield State Provost

Bluefield State University's Betty M. Nash (right), is BSU's 2021-2022 “Faculty of the Year” Recipient.

Project Success Spotlight: Bluefield State University student Kadi Ruble-Varney

Bluefield State University student Kadi Ruble-Varney, Project Success Internship at Oakvale Elementary School

Bluefield State University student Kadi Ruble-Varney thoroughly enjoyed her Project Success paid internship this summer at Oakvale Elementary School. A BSU junior majoring in Elementary Education, worked with teachers and students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade as they prepare for the coming academic year.

“Child Abuse, Child Advocacy & Mandate Reporters” Program August 29 at Bluefield State University

Local attorney Raeann Osborne will be a featured presenter at an August 29 program, “Child Abuse, Child Advocacy & Mandate Reporters,” at Bluefield State University. The program, which begins at 1:30 pm in the Basic Science Auditorium on BSU’s campus, is open to the public.

Project Success Internship Feature: B-State Student Michael Acheampong

Michael Acheampong Ascendium Project Success Internship BSU

Bluefield State University student Michael Acheampong’s career goal is to work as a software engineer. Acheampong, originally from Kumasi, Ghana, completed a BSU Project Success paid internship as an Information Technology technician in the BSU Computer Science Department.