Two years ago, my wife Susanne and I arrived on the West Liberty University Hilltop, excited about the opportunity to become part of this community.

We felt genuinely at home right away because of the warm welcome we received. Since then, I have enjoyed working with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to transform the lives of our students while strengthening our community and region.

In a time when higher education faces significant challenges, West Liberty is stepping up with programs that build economic mobility, foster community partnerships, and prepare our graduates for meaningful, impactful careers right here in the Ohio Valley. I am grateful to the Board of Governors for extending my contract for another five years and look forward to continuing the work to meet these challenges.

Because of our strong retention and graduation rates, WLU has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report for providing high levels of social mobility and economic opportunity for our students.

Through our dual credit enrollment program, we provide access to college credit for local high school students, giving them a better chance of completing their college degrees.

Last fall, through a joint degree program with Marshall University, WLU launched its Aviation Pilot Training program. Not only will this program meet a critical workforce need, but it will also spur economic growth in Ohio County and the region.

This fall, we are offering our popular Criminal Justice and Psychology majors online, to provide access and opportunity for students who cannot attend class on the Hilltop.

WLU is engaged with the greater Wheeling metropolitan area through experiential learning experiences that meet the real-world needs of the community.

Our Behavioral Health, Dental Hygiene, and Speech and Hearing Clinics provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality services to members of the community and students on campus.

We have led the work of RISE (Reshaping Impact for Students and Employers), an initiative to build connections between Wheeling-area educators and local employers to strengthen the workforce pipeline in the region.

I’m proud of our relationship with the West Liberty Lions Club Family Support Center, which serves local families. As an example, our new employee leadership program raised more than $1000 to support the Center through the Community Arts and Music Festival this spring.

Our athletic teams have been successful in competition, but they also provide community service to meet the needs of residents. For instance, the “Keep Wheeling Warm” initiative by the Women’s Basketball Team works with businesses to provide winter clothing for residents.

We enjoy strong partnerships with the community. Our conservation students have removed trash and invasive species from Oglebay Park’s trail system, our Zoo Science students intern at the Good Zoo, and our Exercise Physiology students have provided training programs for the staff.

I am thankful that our Music faculty and students contribute to the success of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra as guest performers, composers, and student interns.

The Aspiring Nurses program with WVU Wheeling Hospital is providing scholarships for West Liberty students who plan to work at the hospital following graduation.

Our student-teachers and education graduates fill classrooms in our local schools, delivering high quality instruction for local students.

In the coming year, we’ll be developing the Professional Passport program, set to launch in Fall 2026, to help students explore career pathways and make the most of their college investment. West Liberty will soon offer micro-credentials to verify student competence in key skill areas and support local upskilling needs.

This fall, we will open the Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center to provide a sanctuary for endangered species such as the Big Sandy crayfish, and to support economic development projects in the region.

I’ve had the privilege of meeting alumni from across the country, each with a unique and heartfelt story about their time on the Hilltop. This year, we’re excited to introduce a new tradition: Welcoming alumni celebrating milestone reunions back to campus during Homecoming Weekend, October 24-25. If you graduated in a year ending in 00 or 05, we have planned special events just for you–so mark your calendar and come celebrate with us!

For over 180 years, West Liberty University has played a key role in the community while educating our students. I invite you to be part of the work we do. Whether you’re an alum, a community partner, or a friend of the university, your engagement helps advance our progress. Come to campus. Attend an event. Mentor a student. Together, we can shape what’s next for West Liberty — and for the Ohio Valley.

Tim Borchers is the president of West Liberty University.