Graduate Testimonials
T. J. O'Neill
Class of 2006, Political Science
"I hadn't expected to go to WVU, but from the first moment I stepped onto campus, I was taken away by the immense beauty of the countryside. Something about the place was mystical, almost mysterious. I have never felt like just another number at WVU. The people at this University care about me. I have felt welcomed and appreciated here."
Kristina Letzelter Matyskiela
Class of 2004, BA Philosophy
"I often hear folks talk of going to a smaller college because they do not want to be a "number"; they want to be a person. You are only a "number" if you want to be. I was never just a "number" at WVU. I was a person, a person respected by my peers, professors, and administrators. When a "glitch" arose, my professors were right on the ball to help me fix the glitch. Whenever I had questions or comments, my professors, as well as administrators, knew me by my name. I became an active student on campus simply by getting to know those involved and interested in me and my education. I was never a "number" at WVU. I was - and still am - Kristina "Kris" Letzelter Matyskiela."
Jamal Derakhshan
Class of 2002, Physics
"Pursuing a physics major at WVU challenged me intellectually and provided all of the rewards that I could hope for from an undergraduate education. The small class sizes allowed direct participation with the esteemed faculty. The physics department made it easy to participate in outstanding research both at WVU during the school year and at other wonderful places over the summers through the REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program. The rigorous preparation I received at WVU allowed me to complete successfully for a fully-funded position in a combined MD/PhD program at Case Western Reserve University. Best of all, the education was provided for a small fraction of the cost that is required at most other universities in the nation. Thanks, WVU!"
Debra Marks
Class of 2002, Regents BA
"Being able to complete my BA through the RBA program allowed me to further my education in WVU's off-campus program. I am about to complete my MA in communication studies and am teaching at Washington State Community College in Marietta, Ohio. WVU's off-campus program is ideal for non-traditional students such as myself, making it possible to further my education and reach my goals without sacrificing my other responsibilities. WVU is the place to begin, when you're seeking to fulfill your life dreams! "
Neal Vance
Class of 1998, Biology
"I believe that the broad-based education I received at WVU has allowed me to succeed in my chosen career of economic development, as the Executive Director of the Lincoln County (WV) Economic Development Authority. My education at WVU taught me to adapt to any situation and grasp numerous types of information. I can adequately digest statistics, descriptions, or data that I receive, draw conclusions through the adaptation of scientific method, while also keeping the human factor at the forefront of the decision-making process."
Travis Henline
Class of 1999, English and Anthropology
"As a member of the first class to graduate with the Native American Studies minor, my education from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences has proven invaluable in my professional career: teaching Native American subjects to public audiences, in the National Park Service and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. My exposure to this burgeoning field provided a solid background, and the Organization for Native American Interests allowed me the opportunity to produce important on-campus educational events and work with Native people from the region and nation."
Scindra Kolecki
Class of 1996, BA Geography
Manager, Contracts and Vendors
American Electric Power
"I am certain that I would not hold a management position without my WVU degree. I attribute my success directly to the broad-based education I received at WVU and the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. I love this University and will always hold those years and memories close to my heart."
Bernard L. Allen
PhD in 1971, History
"My liberal arts education has enabled me to better understand the world in which I live. It has allowed me to assist the social groups of which I've been a part, as well as the communities in which I've lived, to more adequately understand how they came to be, thus, I hope, preparing them to deal with the challenges of the present and the future. It made me a better learner, and therefore, a more effective teacher."
Colin Lindsay
Class of 1985, Political Science
"I benefit on an almost-daily basis from the broad spectrum learning experience of my liberal arts background. My profession is law, so the details of what I do are things I've learned in practice, rather than in college or law school. That being said, the liberal arts experience gives me the context in which to place those details, and enriches my ability to learn and appreciate those details. From being able to recognize a few German phrases to knowing enough about statistics to challenge what I hear in a news program, I feel much more ready to live life than if I had focused solely on the technical."
G William Whitehurst
Class of 1962, History
"I earned my Ph.D. in history at West Virginia University. I was in residence during the academic year of 1956-1957. I regard my stay at West Virginia as an extraordinary one in my life, and was fortunate to have an assistantship in the History Department, which mad my degree possible. The department faculty, both in history and political science, were outstanding and my academic credentials were certainly enhance in the education I received. Both as a result of my experience at WVU, and my long career as a university teacher, I know the value of a broad liberal arts education, I know of no area of study that does more to create a literate person, one who will read and write critically, and whose native talents will be developed more fully."
"I would also add that my 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives saw me better prepared for the responsibilities of office as a result of my education in history, and specifically the training that I received in the three universities that I attended. Perhaps the finest compliment that I received came from several European parliamentarians with whom I served as delegates to the North Atlantic Assembly. When I prepared to retire from the Congress, they told me that I was the only American delegate who 'thought like a European.' For that West Virginia University can at least claim partial credit."