Uva-wise facts Character Founded in 1954, UVa-Wise is a small, public liberal-arts college of the University of Virginia.
Ranking UVa-Wise is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the nation’s top public liberal-arts colleges.
UVa Benefits Graduates of UVa-Wise receive the prestigious University of Virginia diploma. Students have access to UVa’s library resources. UVa-Wise recruits outstanding faculty. UVa-Wise hosts visiting scholars from Charlottesville.
The Campus 400 acres near the town of Wise, located in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia.
Enrollment 2,000 students; male-female ratio 48:52.
Admissions When we evaluate applications, we look for students who show a seriousness of purpose and a strong potential for academic success in college. Students who rank in the top half of their high school classes, who have combined math and critical reading scores of 900 on the SAT—or a composite score of 18 or better on the ACT—are given preference in admission decisions. UVa-Wise offers rolling admission. Students may be admitted for the Spring or Fall semester or for one of the Summer terms. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the term in which they wish to enroll. A range of benefits is available to students who apply under one of two nonbinding Early Admission options.
Majors
Organizations
Financial Aid
With a choice of 31 majors and the opportunity to take independent study courses, students can select an educational path that helps them reach their personal goals.
More than 60 clubs and student organizations on campus.
80 percent of our students qualify for some form of financial assistance, including federal and state grants, scholarships, student loans, and college employment.
Accounting Administration of Justice Art Biochemistry Biology Business Administration Chemistry Communication Studies Computer Science Economics English Literature Environmental Science Foreign Studies French Government Health and PE Teaching Licensure Health and PE Sports Management Concentration
Hispanic/ Hispanic American Studies History Interdisciplinary Studies Liberal Arts and Sciences Management Information Systems Mathematics Medical Technology/ Clinical Laboratory Science Music Nursing Psychology Sociology Software Engineering Spanish Theatre
Curriculum 31 majors, 32 minors, 7 pre-professional programs, more than 20 teaching licensures.
Faculty 91 full-time; 74 percent hold a terminal degree. Studentfaculty ratio 22:1. 74 percent of classes are taught by full-time faculty members.
Honor Code All students are expected to uphold the UVa-Wise honor code of respect and responsibility.
Athletics Member of the Mid-South Conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). About 200 students participate in 6 men’s and 5 women’s programs.
Intramural Sports Best small-college program in the Southeast. 90 programs, including 34 basketball teams, 27 flag football teams, 24 volleyball teams, and 24 softball teams. Flag football teams compete nationally. Half of all students participate in some intramural activity.
Cultural Activities The Pro-Art Association brings a variety of performances to campus each year. Past groups have included the Joffrey Ballet and the Vienna Boys Choir. The College also hosts lectures and special events throughout the year.
International Study Students enjoy study abroad opportunities at 7 sister institutions and more than 137 international institutions through the International Student Exchange Program. Weeklong trips are also available during fall, spring, or summer break.
Pre-Med Program Our rigorous program, paired with close faculty advising, leads to high rates of acceptance to medical school.
Campus Technology Most residence hall rooms are wired with Ethernet connections. There are five easy-access computer labs on campus. Free e-mail accounts are available to all students.
School Codes SAT Code: 5124 ACT Code: 4343 Federal School Code: 003747
Visiting Campus Individual appointments available M–F from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A typical visit includes an interview with admissions staff, a student-led campus tour, and lunch or dinner. Please call our Admissions Office toll free at (888) 282-9324 or locally at (276) 328-0102 to arrange your visit.
UVa-Wise 360˚ Events Special Saturdays are set aside for prospective students and families. The program includes an academic and activities fair staffed by faculty, administrators, and students; a campus tour; a financial aid information session; tours of the residence halls; and complimentary student tickets to a campus event (as available). For More Information about UVa-Wise 360˚ E-mail: admissions@uvawise.edu Call: (276) 328-0102 or (888) 282-9324 To Reserve Your Place Register online by scanning this QR code or visiting www.uvawise.edu/admissions/ campus_preview.
The Center for Student Development Made up of Career Services, Counseling Services, and Health Services, as well as offering resources for student leadership and multicultural affairs, the Center for Student Development promotes positive choices regarding physical, mental, and social well-being. Health Services is staffed by a registered nurse five days a week and a family nurse practitioner one day a week, both from Norton Community Hospital. Counseling Services provides licensed professional counselors in a confidential setting. All services are free of charge.
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State law requires all state colleges with campus police forces to report crimes to the Virginia State Police. The figures are included in an annual report called “Crime in Virginia” and are also forwarded to the FBI as part of that agency’s Uniform Crime Reporting system. UVa-Wise does not discriminate in any of its programs, procedures, or practices against a person on the basis of age, citizenship, color, handicap, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran of the Vietnam era. The College operates equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for faculty, staff, and students. UVa-Wise is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Office of Admissions • One College Avenue • Wise, VA 24293 e-mail
admissions@uvawise.edu (888) 282-9324 (toll free) • (276) 328-0102 (local) www.uvawise.edu
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The University of Virginia, our parent institution founded in 1819, was a lifelong dream of Thomas Jefferson. One of the nation’s most highly ranked public universities, U.Va. serves some 18,000 students in Charlottesville. The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is a later manifestation of Jefferson’s vision. Founded in 1954 by citizens of Wise, it brought to fruition the dream of a fine college in far southwestern Virginia. Jefferson’s Dream. your reality.
The UVa-Wise Vision A system of general education which shall reach every description of our citizens from the richest to the poorest, as it was the earliest, so it will be the latest of all the public concerns in which I shall permit myself to take an interest. —Thomas Jefferson
Transform Yourself UVa-Wise students undergo a transformative experience in their four years here. That metamorphosis is what our academic enterprise is all about.
In the magnificent setting of the central Appalachian Mountains, 2,000 students pursue their own dreams. At UVa-Wise, the College supports them by providing a liberal-arts education rich in experiences and high in value. Here, true to Jefferson’s ideal, students from widely varying backgrounds benefit from the close attention of an excellent faculty in a warm community. Their experiences here—the skills Who We Are 1 they gain and the friends they What You’ll Learn 6 Academic Programs 8 make—are valuable for a lifetime. Honors 18
Who We Are
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Each of the species illustrated in this prospectus—all inhabitants of Wise County, Virginia—may be found on the UVa-Wise campus.
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How You’ll Live 24 Organizations 26 Athletics 28 Outdoor Recreation 30 Residential Life 32
Who we are
Notable Graduates
Erica Dell ’10, Software Engineer
Daniel Vanover ’10, Software Engineer
Stephanie Surrett ’96, Company President
Lauren Mullins ’04, Market Strategy Analyst
Michael Conrad ’08, Software Developer
Brandy McCarroll ’06, Instructor of Nursing
Matt Dean ’07, Senior Accountant
Laura Faye Robinson ’01, Attorney
Brad Schassberger ’08, Mental Health Counselor
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broad preparation.
individual success.
Students who excel at UVa-Wise know that they’ll be well prepared for graduate or professional school. Our strong undergraduate programs give them a solid basis for further achievement, and the high level of course work readies them for demanding postgraduate study. Take a look at what some of our graduates say about how they achieved their goals, and you’ll see how instrumental UVa-Wise can be.
Success in life isn’t just about personal enrichment. To have influence and change the world, you need to acquire a position of leadership. The broad liberal-arts education at UVa-Wise, combined with opportunities for holding offices in student organizations, gives students the tools to shape their careers toward positions that will help them make a difference. It’s amazing what our graduates have done.
“The one-on-one dedication of the faculty and campus life is what sets UVa-Wise apart from other colleges. My professors always made time for me and my classmates whenever we had questions or needed further explanations. I do consider the Natural Sciences Department to be top notch, which made transitioning to medical school easy and pleasurable.” rian Arnette ’98 B Physician, Mountainview Regional Medical Center, Norton, VA
“UVa-Wise prepared me well for my career. The nursing department provided me with the skills necessary to be a successful, practicing nurse. I also feel confident that I will be able to achieve my next goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.” Brooke Rafaly ’10 Registered Nurse, Mountainview Regional Medical Center, Norton, VA
“My educational experience at UVa-Wise was top notch. My science and math classes prepared me for graduate school, and the leadership skills and experience I gained as SGA president will be useful for my whole life. Here, you not only learn from your professors, but build relationships with them as well. The people here want you to succeed; they consider each student an investment in the future and will help in any way they can.” Stephanie Lawson ’11 Doctorate of Physical Therapy student, University of North Carolina
“Going to a smaller school such as UVaWise helped give me the leadership experience that prepared me for the political world. It was a great education—both for the academics and for the knowledge I gained as editor of the campus newspaper and Honor Court chairman.” Jerry Kilgore ’83 Former Attorney General of Virginia, Richmond, VA
“The education that I received at UVa-Wise, both in the History Department and on the campus as a whole, has been invaluable to my postgraduate studies. The ability to think critically and analytically was instilled in me from my first class. As such, I will always be grateful for the rigorous training I received during the four years I was immersed in this unique community.” Scott McDaniel ’06 PhD Candidate in Theology, University of Dayton
“UVA-Wise was the perfect college for me. Thanks to truly masterful professors, I learned much more than the required subject matter: I learned how to think, how to be an engaged citizen, and how to select a career aligned with my interests and values. As importantly, UVa-Wise provided an extraordinarily vibrant learning environment outside the classroom, allowing for the kind of meaningful college experience that yields lifelong friends and memories.”
Reggie Dorsainvil ’08, Computer Analyst
LaKesha Anderson ’01, University Communication Instructor
Eric Richardson ’04, Assistant Professor of Marketing
Stephen Dula ’02, Youth Minister
Stephanie MullinsGibson ’03, Pediatric Physical Therapist
Sherry Lynn Matney ’00, Special Education Instructor
Hana Zibdeh Lough ’02, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Debbie L. Sydow ’85, PhD President, Onondaga Community College
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Who we are
High Honors
A Good Start
The prestigious University of Virginia diploma is awarded to graduates of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.
UVa-Wise ranks first among public national liberal-arts colleges for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
Earn and Learn To help pay for their educations, many students carry part-time jobs while attending UVa-Wise. Community employers recognize the reliability and drive of our students, and students appreciate the value of work experience.
Freshman Financial Aid Packages In 2009-2010, the average financial aid package consisted of the following:
TODAY’S INVESTMENT
TOMORROW’S REWARD
The accomplishments of our graduates demonstrate the value of their experience here. For more than 50 years, UVa-Wise graduates have been impressing employers and graduate schools with the quality of their educations. Students find a number of ways to meet the cost of attending UVa-Wise—from merit scholarships and need-based aid to loans and workstudy. Whatever your means of affording it, the investment will repay you for the rest of your life.
There’s ample evidence for the quality of a UVa-Wise education. Our graduates are admitted to some of the country’s most prestigious medical and law schools. Our nursing graduates enter well-respected nurse practitioner programs, and our accounting students consistently post one of the highest first-time pass rates for the CPA exam in Virginia. Alumni satisfaction is high in all areas.
Types of Financial Aid Scholarships, given to honor outstanding achievement. Need-based aid, based upon each family’s ability to provide financial support. Requires completion of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal programs, including grants and loans. Work-study employment, available in almost all departments on campus for students meeting enrollment and need requirements. Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) for qualified Kentucky residents within 50 miles of Wise and qualified residents from specified counties in far northeast Tennessee. Opportunity Tuition Assistance Grant (OTAG) for qualified out-of-state students.
43.3% Grants 36.7% Loans
Alumni Survey A recent survey reveals the following about UVa-Wise graduates: 100 percent were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the education they received in the undergraduate degree program. 98 percent of those enrolled in graduate school say their undergraduate degree helped prepare them for graduate study (a higher percentage than any other college or university in Virginia). 84 percent (more than any other state college or university) said their undergraduate major helps them perform in the workplace. 92 percent said their undergraduate experience prepared them for responsible citizenship (the same rate as VMI graduates and higher than any other college or university in the state).
A Strong Network UVa-Wise alumni return to campus every year to take part in the Student-Alumni Picnic, to participate in alumni basketball and baseball games, and to support the Highland Cavaliers on Homecoming Weekend. Alumni also team up with the Athletics Department to host a fund-raising golf tournament each spring.
Stay in School Graduates of UVa-Wise have the tools to continue a lifetime of learning. Many who gain teacher certification here go on to teach at the elementary, middle, or secondary school level.
15.3% Scholarships 2.9% Miscellaneous 1.8% Work-Study
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what you’ll learn
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A liberal-arts education at UVa-Wise has proven practical value. It gives students a broad, solid foundation—ideal for career growth and flexibility—while enabling them to pursue a major field of study in great depth. Combined with close advising, our academic programs help students chart a course just about anywhere: toward graduate or professional schools and to careers in the arts, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. THEORETICAL LEARNING. PRACTICAL USE. In classes ranging in size from as many as 50 students to as few as one, UVa-Wise faculty members pay special attention to each student’s academic development. Nearly every department has a culminating “capstone” course to ensure that our students are prepared and competitive. Our teacher education program is nationally accredited through TEAC (Teacher Education Accrediting Council), and onefifth of our students earn their licensure to teach. Our programs include some—such as in library media and software engineering—that are unique in the area. Others— in mathematics and science, for example— are exceptionally strong. Each will take you on a distinctive adventure in learning.
Useful Skills Because UVa-Wise believes that every student should possess basic proficiency in both oral communication and computer use, we have developed courses in each major that incorporate instruction in these areas. In nearly every career, the ability to speak in public, to interview, and to use computers for communication and research will serve you well.
What you’ll learn
strong programs. powerful degrees.
Business and Economics Offering both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees with majors in accounting, business, and economics, the Department of Business and Economics prepares students to take their place in the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders. The BA program provides excellent preparation for law school or a career in public administration; both the BA and BS programs prepare students for careers or graduate study in economics, accounting, finance, marketing, management, business administration, or business education—and faculty members advise students pursuing licensure in teacher education, public accounting, law, or public administration. The Department sponsors a chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, a national association of students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields. Majors
Accounting
Business Administration
Economics
Minors
International Business Leadership Studies (Interdisciplinary)
Finance
Accounting
Business Administration
Economics
Graduate Schools Attended (and Degrees Pursued) by Recent UVa-Wise Alumni
The College of William and Mary, JD
Northern Kentucky University, Accountancy, MS
Radford University, MBA
Virginia Tech, MBA
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International Business A special minor in international business offered through a collaboration with the Department of Language and Literature can add depth to a student’s field of study. Along with business and economics courses, students take at least one course in Hispanic civilization or language, or they study abroad in a Hispanic country. Opportunities for the study of business and economics in other countries are available through the College’s bilateral agreement with the University of Huelva in Huelva, Spain, and with Monterrey Tech in Saltillo, Mexico, as well as through Academic Programs International in Budapest, Hungary; Grenoble, France; Rome, Italy; Galway and Limerick, Ireland; London and Leeds, United Kingdom; and Barcelona and Seville, Spain.
History and Philosophy agencies. Employment opportunities in cost analysis, intelligence, foreign trade analysis, public administration, urban planning, securities research analysis, underwriting, health care analysis, and teaching offer economics majors a broad range of options. Facilities and Equipment Smiddy Hall—home of the business department—is currently undergoing a $13.5 million expansion and renovation, due to be completed within the next two years. Scholarships Dozens of scholarships and awards are available to majors in the Department of Business and Economics, including the Alfred and Shirley Wampler Caudill Scholarship Fund, Bank of America Scholarship Fund, David W. Roane Award in Business Ethics Fund, E. L. B. Scholarship Fund, Lucien P. and Glessye Humphreys Scholarship Fund for athletes, and Napoleon Hill Foundation Scholarship, to name just a few awards Internships The department sponsors internship opportunities that give accounting, business, and economics students valuable, real-world experience. Recent internship sites have included the Virginia Port Authority and Sykes Enterprise, Inc. Employment Outlook Graduates of the department’s programs begin careers in a broad range of industries and commerce related to their major fields. Accounting majors frequently begin careers working for certified public accountants or working in accounting departments of medium- to large-scale companies. Business administration majors often find their first jobs in corporate sales departments. Economics majors frequently begin careers with banks, finance companies, investment companies, or government
Positions Held by (and Employers of) Recent UVa-Wise Graduates Account analyst, Wachovia Accountant, Eastman Chemical Assistant commonwealth attorney Attorney Attorney general, Commonwealth of Virginia Auditor Bank manager CPA Director of off-campus programs General manager High school teacher Human resources officer Insurance adjuster Manager, DuPont Credit Union President, CSE Financial Senior auditor, Ernst and Young Small business owner Social Security Administration executive Terminal train master, Norfolk Southern Town manager Training consultant, Allscripts Software
The Department of History and Philosophy offers the Bachelor of Arts in history, as well as minors in both history and philosophy. Instruction emphasizes historical analysis, critical thinking, writing, and research skills, with courses taught by faculty who have been recognized with grants and awards for both their teaching and research. The department is an active member of the national honorary historical fraternity Phi Alpha Theta, which encourages student research and writing; the society’s 2005 regional conference was held on campus. The history curriculum forms part of teacher education at both the primary and secondary levels; students interested in teaching middle and high school complete the history major along with other social science credits to earn state licensure, while those interested in elementary education complete a concentration as part of the liberal arts and sciences major. Major
History
Minors
History
Philosophy
Research Opportunities Students learn to undertake historical research in upperdivision courses. Approximately 20 students conduct independent research each year. In the past three years, more than 20 students have presented papers at Phi Alpha Theta regional and national conferences.
Graduate Schools Attended by UVa-Wise Alumni
Appalachian School of Law
Asbury Theological Seminary
James Madison University
Longwood University
University of Dayton
University of Virginia
Wayne State University
Study Abroad Students can study history abroad through the College’s bilateral agreement with the University of Huelva in Huelva, Spain, or Monterrey Tech in Saltillo, Mexico; they can study both history and philosophy
through Academic Programs International in Krakow, Poland; Budapest, Hungary; and Rome, Italy. On the 60th anniversary of the Allied invasion, students participated in a trip to the D-Day battlefields of Normandy; another trip is planned to Belgium. Facilities and Technology The history archives in the John Cooke Wiley library are a useful resource. Blackboard technology is used for assignments and grades, Web-based instructional materials, library databases, and the digitizing of interviews conducted by students.
Scholarships and Awards UVa-Wise offers funding for history students through the William F. Fraley history award, the Heather Markusich award, and the CVC History Fund. Faculty Publications Recent publications by History and Philosophy Department faculty include the books No Ordinary College and Gone with the Glory: The Civil War in Cinema by Brian Steel Wills, Contested Borderland: The Civil War in Appalachian Virginia and Kentucky by Brian McKnight, and Beyond Catastrophe: German Intellectuals and Cultural Renewal after World War II by Mark Clark, as well as articles published in The Journal of Contemporary History and The Centre for Reformation and Renaissance Studies.
Employment Outlook History graduates find careers in law, historical preservation, park service, and business administration. Students with minors in history or philosophy have a useful background for work in social and community service, religious organizations and ministry, education, government, medicine, law, journalism, and business. Employers of Students with History Degrees Art galleries Cultural heritage organizations Federal agencies, including The Smithsonian Institute, National Archives and Records, Library of Congress, and National Park Service Historical societies Museums and historic sites Law firms Libraries Newspapers Public advocacy groups Public and private schools State and local agencies, including archives and libraries, and arts and humanities councils Zoological parks, aquariums, wildlife refuges, and bird sanctuaries Positions Held by (and Employers of) Recent UVa-Wise Graduates Art history instructor Director of college relations, UVa-Wise Lawyer Philosopher College professor High school history instructor
Internships History students can intern at the historic Flowerdew Hotel or the Southwest Virginia Museum, which chronicles the history of Big Stone Gap, among other internship sites.
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What you’ll learn
Language and Literature The Department of Language and Literature offers English and foreign language majors the opportunity to learn French, German, and Spanish. The English literature major includes courses in American and English literature, ethnic literature, linguistics, and literary criticism. Foreign language majors take four semesters of the major language, four of another language, and courses focusing on culture and civilization, literature, and grammar. Summer immersion programs are available in Spain, Mexico, and Austria, with other available study abroad opportunities. Spanish majors may join the College’s chapter of the national Spanish honor society, Sigma Delta Pi. Majors
English Literature Foreign Studies (concentrations in French, German, Spanish) French Hispanic/Hispanic American Studies Spanish
Minors
English
French
German
Hispanic/Hispanic American Studies Spanish
Graduate Schools Attended (and Degrees Pursued) by Recent UVa-Wise Alumni
Clemson University, English, MA
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, English, PhD
Ohio University, Spanish, MA
The Ohio State University, Hispanic Linguistics, MA
Radford University, MA
University of Richmond, English, MA
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, English, MA
Research Opportunities All students complete an original research project in Senior Seminar under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students have presented papers at regional, national, and international conferences. Each year, students participate in the Medieval-Renaissance Conference founded at UVa-Wise more than 20 years ago. Promoting exchange and discussion in all disciplines of medieval and Renaissance studies, the conference attracts a wide range of papers and panelists, as well as provides a venue for student scholars to present their own research. Study Abroad Opportunities for language study abroad are available through the College’s bilateral agreements with the CEU San Pablo in Seville, Spain, the Pädagogische Hochschule Niederösterreich in Baden, Austria, the Tech de Monterrey– Campus Saltillo in Saltillo, Mexico, the University of Huelva in Huelva, Spain, and the University of Istanbul in Turkey.
Mathematics and Computer Science International study is also available through Academic Programs International in Galway, Ireland; San José, Costa Rica; Krakow, Poland; Budapest, Hungary; Paris, France; Rome and Florence, Italy; London, England; and Barcelona, Granada, and Cadiz, Spain. Facilities and Equipment Specialized facilities include the Writing Center and foreign language laboratory. Faculty members use Blackboard to present course material. Honors Students may be nominated to graduate with honors in English if they meet GPA requirements and submit a distinguished research paper in an upper-level English seminar. Spanish minors and majors meeting GPA and credit requirements will be invited to join Sigma Delta Pi, the national Spanish honor society. Travel Opportunities Some classes enhance content with travel. Shakespeare classes regularly travel to the Blackfriars Theater in Staunton to see the plays they have been studying. A recent class on Holocaust literature planned a trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Students enrolled in London in Literature had the option to participate in a spring break trip to London led by the course instructor.
Student Literary Journal The Jimson Weed, the student literary journal published twice a year, provides students with a venue in which to express themselves artistically and to demonstrate their creative abilities. It also offers English
majors and minors the opportunity to gain experience in the production of a magazine with the guidance and instruction of an English faculty member. Employment Outlook About 50 percent of UVa-Wise English majors enter graduate or professional school immediately after college. The need for college graduates with excellent communication skills is increasing, and graduates are in demand for careers in editing, marketing, public relations, and governmental organizations. Others choose careers in law, education, and journalism. Foreign language students find a growing need in career areas such as immigration and naturalization, interpreting and translation services, foreign news bureaus, and sales and customer service departments. Positions Held by (and Employers of) Recent UVa-Wise Graduates Actor (in such films as Big Fish, Dreamer, Junebug, 28 Days, Somersby, and True Colors) English instructor, South Piedmont Community College High school English instructor High school Spanish instructor Instructor of English, UVa-Wise Instructor of Spanish, Pikeville College Instructor of Spanish, UVa-Wise
Through the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, UVa-Wise offers the only undergraduate software engineering program in Virginia. The department also offers programs leading to degrees in computer science, management information systems, and mathematics. Class sizes range from as many as 40 students in lower-level courses to between 4 and 20 students in upper-division courses. Majors in the department benefit from partnerships between the College and two high-tech employers with operations in the region—Northrup Grumman and CGI—who recruit students for internships and research opportunities at their facilities. The employment outlook is outstanding, particularly for software engineering students, who will play a key role in business and industry for years to come. Majors
Mathematics
Computer Science
Management Information Systems Software Engineering
Minors
Mathematics
Computer Science
Graduate Schools Attended (and Degrees Pursued) by Recent UVa-Wise Alumni
College of William and Mary, PhD
George Mason University, MIS and MS
North Carolina State University, PhD
Strayer University, MIS
University of Virginia, MS
University of Kentucky, MA and MS
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, MS and PhD
Research Opportunities Students can pursue research with faculty members as well as with local IT employers. In a recent department-funded project, a computer science student built a robot programmed to track objects. Internships UVa-Wise students can intern with a number of employers in the region, including CGI, Northrup Grumman, Food City, and the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy. Internships range from information technology assignments to experience shadowing software developers.
Facilities and Equipment The Science Center—which underwent a $13.4 million renovation in 2010—houses software engineering labs and other facilities. Two computer labs contain more
than 50 workstations, five servers, and a 64-node cluster, all operating on a Gigabit Ethernet backbone. Students have access to both Windows and Linux operating systems. Among the instructional tools used by UVa-Wise professors in the classroom: Mathematica, MATLAB, Visual Studio, and Eclipse. Study Abroad Mathematics majors study abroad through Academic Programs International in Budapest, Hungary; and Rome, Florence, and Syracuse, Italy. Study abroad opportunities in computer science are available in Budapest, Hungary, and Rome, Italy. Students may study software engineering through the College’s bilateral agreement with Monterrey Tech in Saltillo, Mexico. Employment Outlook Technology jobs will be abundant well into the future. Even with the outsourcing of some computer-related positions to other countries, jobs with state and national government will remain in the United States. Software engineering has been called the top job in the nation. Because software engineers solve problems for every industry that uses computers, combining a theoretical knowledge of computers with professional skills, the demand for software engineers is likely to remain high. In the region surrounding UVa-Wise, CGI and
Northrup Grumman will hire from 600 to 800 technology employees, with starting salaries between $40,000 and $60,000. Students with a background in mathematics will continue to find positions in business, banking, government, and education. Among their areas of employment: research and development, data collection and information analysis, statistical processing control, environmental analysis, and management. Management Information Systems is a perfect degree for a student who loves the challenge of programming and technology but does not wish to take higher mathematics courses. The blend of computer programming and business courses leads to a greater understanding of technology and the business principles necessary to market such technology. Graduates of this program are well suited to discuss computing issues on a technical level or in layman’s terms, enabling them to work with software or data systems developers as communicators between clients and programmers. Positions Held by (and Employers of) Recent UVa-Wise Graduates Assistant professor of computer science, UVa-Wise Associate professor of math and computer science, Pikeville College Business manager Consulting actuary Developer of aviation software High school math instructor Information technologist Manager of forecasting, GlaxoSmithKline Manager of software development Software developer Senior engineer, General Dynamics Technical support analyst
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What you’ll learn
Natural Sciences
Education
The Department of Natural Sciences at UVa-Wise immerses students in the primary scientific literature from their first semester of study. Students generally have the same professor in lectures and labs, ensuring coherent presentation of material and promoting strong student-faculty relationships with faculty members. Such personal attention encourages effective mentoring and often leads to research collaboration or internships. Between 50 and 70 percent of UVa-Wise biology and chemistry students enter graduate or professional schools after graduation. In addition to careers in the health and teaching professions, our graduates succeed in environmental law, genetic counseling, forensic science, and a variety of military fields. Majors
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Medical Technology/ Clinical Laboratory Science Biochemistry
Minors
Biology
Chemistry
Earth Science
Physics
Graduate Schools Attended (and Degrees Pursued) by Recent UVa-Wise Alumni
Campbell University, Pharmacy, PharmD
George Washington University, Forensic Science, MS
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Medicine, DO
University of Tennessee, Veterinary Medicine, DVM
University of Virginia, Medicine, MD
Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Biological Sciences, MS
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Internships UVa-Wise students have internships with local companies and organizations in the sciences. Examples include the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Monitoring, Inc., Appalachian Technical Services, and Park Avenue Physical Therapy. Students gain valuable experience in field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data analysis, and receive hands-on technical instruction in their prospective professional fields. The department houses the offices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Surface Mining. Positions are also available with VISTA and AmeriCorps. These positions provide students with opportunities in ecology, conservation biology, and environmental science.
Study Abroad Opportunities for international study in the natural sciences are available through Academic Programs International in Krakow, Poland; Rome and Syracuse, Italy; Cork, Galway, and Limerick, Ireland; and Leeds, United Kingdom. Research Opportunities Students can work with science faculty on individual research projects, many of which lead to publication or conference presentations. Each year, the Fellowship in the Natural Sciences (FINS) program provides students with competitive summer research fellowships. These include a stipend and direct, intensive mentoring by a faculty member in the sciences. Facilities and Equipment The department has several state-of-the-art laboratories equipped to carry out a wide range of modern molecular, chemical, and biochemical techniques, as well as traditional field equipment for both terrestrial and aquatic studies. Specialized equipment available for student use includes high-speed centrifuges, a scanning electron microscope, a fluorescent microscope, thermocyclers, UV/fluorescence spectrophotometers, IR spectrometers, a GC, an HPLC, an electrochemical workstation, an AA spectrometer, a functional NMR capable of proton and carbon analyses, and equipment for horizontal/vertical electrophoresis and gel analyses. The department also maintains an observatory with computercontrolled telescope, an herbarium, and a natural history museum and teaching collection. Technology Technology is integrated into natural sciences curricula beginning in the first and second years of study. Resources available to students include search engines for primary scientific literature and DNA/proteins; software for
analyzing statistics, gel imaging, visualizing molecule structures, producing publication-quality graphs, and oral presentations; and open-ended simulation software packages in molecular biology, genetics, and ecology. Employment Outlook Biology graduates find career paths in research, education, health care, biotechnology, and environmental management and conservation. They can expect increasing opportunities in biotechnology and molecular biology in particular, as well as growing employment openings with federal government agencies. The American Chemical Society anticipates growth in the petrochemical fields and decline in the pharmaceutical industries. Nearly half of new graduates will enter a manufacturing industry. Environmental science graduates establish careers in many of the same fields as those with biology and chemistry degrees. Employers include government agencies and businesses, and there is a strong outlook for positions with private-sector consulting firms.
Positions Held by Recent UVa-Wise Graduates Aquatic biologist Ecologist Environmental inspector Forensic scientist High school teacher MRI technician Organ transplant coordinator U.S. Army U.S. Navy Virginia State Police
The College’s Department of Education has a long history of preparing students for rewarding careers in teaching. Many of the teachers, principals, and superintendents in Wise County are graduates of the program, and most have taken courses at UVa-Wise. In addition to the department’s requirements, students must complete state requirements to receive a teaching licensure. Majors are eligible for membership in the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA), which sponsors an annual conference. The majority of students in the education program complete the major in four years. A high percentage of our graduates seek teaching positions after graduation; others find administrative jobs as principals and guidance and career counselors. Areas of Study
6–12 Education Health and Physical Education
Library Media
Music Education
Pre-K–6 Education
Special Education
Teacher Education Program Students seeking a license to teach in Virginia public schools must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Curricular requirements for teacher education include general education requirements, requirements for one of the majors offered by the College, specific teaching endorsement requirements, professional studies requirements, and a teaching internship. Students who plan to teach at the pre-K–6 level must complete a major in the liberal arts and sciences. Special Opportunities Members of the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) work with a UVa-Wise faculty member to develop learning activities and strategies, which they may present at the national SVEA Early Childhood Conference. The College’s SVEA program has earned top honors at the state level.
SVEA sponsors community service events throughout the year. Recent events have included a celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday to promote reading, with education students producing plays and hosting activities for local children, and a character parade with games, titled “Funtasia,” at which funds were raised to buy clothes and toys for needy children. Study Abroad Opportunities for international study in teacher training and education are available through UVa-Wise programs at Pädagogische Hochschule Niederösterreich in Baden, Austria; the Tech de Monterrey–Campus Saltillo in Saltillo, Mexico; and at CEU College in Seville, Spain. Financial Assistance Education majors may be eligible to receive Virginia School Loan program funds, math/science scholarships, or Poor Farm scholarships. Facilities and Equipment Three labs are available to education students: a curricula lab, a math-science lab, and a testing lab. All teaching faculty use Blackboard software in their courses. Smart Boards are available to all education majors to help them prepare for internships and lessons. Internships Students complete their class observation and studentteaching requirements through placement in local public schools. Internship sites have included local schools in Wise County, Dickenson County, Lee County, Scott County, Russell County, and Buchanan County. Employment Outlook While math-science and special education teachers are in greatest demand, graduates of the College have found a wide variety of teaching positions in all local school districts, as well as in Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach, Radford, and Rockingham, North Carolina.
Entry-level salaries for teachers are typically about $30,000 per year. Teachers may find employment not only in the K–12 environment, but also in higher education, adult and continuing education, business and industry, government, and the nonprofit sector. Career options include teaching, administration, and such special services as guidance counseling, school social work, audiology and speech pathology, library/ information services, special education, and curriculum supervision. Employers of Recent UVa-Wise Graduates Elementary, middle, and secondary schools Day care centers Boards of education Four-year colleges and universities Technical schools Hospitals Museums Professional associations Marketing companies Bookstores Publishers Federal government agencies State and local government Mental health clinics Community recreation centers
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What you’ll learn
Nursing
Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Department of Nursing—whose mission is to provide students with a strong liberal arts background along with preparation for advanced practice nursing and graduate study—offers a program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing, the program has also been granted national accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Two tracks are available: the RN to BSN Program, which allows working registered nurses to complete the BSN; and the four-year PreLicensure Program, which prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination.
Facilities and Equipment The department is supported by the Clinical Nursing Resource Center, the Health Assessment Lab in the Science Center, a computer lab opened in conjunction with the Department of Language and Literature, multiple computerassisted instructional modules, several mannequins, and software including SIM MAN and SIM BABY. Laptop computers are available specifically for nursing students, and professors often use Blackboard in their teaching. Field Opportunities Nursing students have recently assisted with hearing and vision screenings in local schools. They have also worked with Remote Area Medical (RAM), a program that provides medical and dental care for uninsured families that could not otherwise afford medical care.
Internships Between their junior and senior years, all UVa-Wise nursing students have opportunities for paid internships in local hospitals, including Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital, Bristol Regional Medical Center, Johnston Memorial Hospital, and Norton Community Hospital.
Scholarships and Awards Nursing scholarships include the College’s Strunk Scholarships, awarded in various amounts to as many nursing students as possible. Johnson & Johnson also offers several nursing scholarships. Honor awards are presented annually by UVa-Wise faculty to nursing students. The Outstanding
Graduate in Nursing Award, the Velta Holyfield Memorial Scholarship, and the Karen Denice Lane Nursing Challenge Award recognize student excellence.
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Exceptional students may be invited to join the Beta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. The Society strives to advance the learning and professional development of its members. Study Abroad An opportunity for international study in nursing is available through the College’s program at the University of Huelva in Spain. Employment Outlook With a nationwide shortage of nurses, the job outlook for nursing graduates is promising. In addition to working in hospital environments, RNs can find employment in other arenas, including pharmaceutical sales, school systems, corporations, and social service agencies. Recent nursing graduates of UVa-Wise have found positions as family nurse practitioners, nursing instructors, community health nurses, intensive care nurses, emergency room nurses, pediatric nurses, OB/GYN nurses, and critical care nurses. Employers of Recent UVa-Wise Graduates Mountain Empire Community College Johnson City Medical Center Holston Valley Medical Center Inova Alexandria Hospital Wellmont Health System Mount States Health Alliance
The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers the BA in administration of justice and government and the BS in psychology and sociology. Students may minor in administration of justice, political science, psychology, and sociology. Special topics courses—with such titles as Terrorism, Serial Killers and Their Victims, Christian Political Theory, and Early American Political Thought—focus on themes of potential interest to all of the department’s majors. Beyond its degree-granting programs, the department offers a program leading to secondary school teaching certification. Major or Minor
Administration of Justice
Government (major)
Political Science (minor)
Psychology
Sociology
Graduate Schools Attended (and Degrees Pursued) by Recent UVa-Wise Alumni
Argosy University, Clinical Psychology, PhD
The College of William and Mary, JD
East Tennessee State University, Counseling, MS
George Mason University, Social Work, MA
George Washington University, Forensic Science, MS
Radford University, Experimental Psychology, MS
University of Virginia, Clinical Psychology, PhD
Research Opportunities Research made possible by the NeuroCognitive Sciences laboratory has led increasingly to faculty presentations at national and international conferences. Students have collaborated on this research, attended a number of conferences, and been involved in the presentations. Internships Internships are prevalent, especially in conjunction with senior capstone courses. Students have gained hands-on experience working in a counseling center with a licensed counselor. Sociology students considering social work as a major might shadow staff members or find internships at the Department of Social Services, abused women’s shelters, or other agencies. Recently, students have held internships in Virginia’s attorney general’s office and with Henrico County Police. Facilities and Equipment The NeuroCognitive Sciences Laboratory is equipped to allow psychology students to write stimulus presentation programs for both auditory and visual stimuli. Using the Neuroscan bioamplifier with EEG SCAN, ANALYZE, SOURCE, and STIM software, students record and analyze 32 channels of EEG activity from test subjects engaged in physical or mental tasks.
A BioPac bioamplifier allows for analysis of physiological data, such as electromyography, electroocular, electroencephalography, respiration, heart rate, electrocardiograph, and polygraph recordings. The department also has software programs that analyze MRI and fMRI images and morphology data, and conversion software to prepare raw magnet data for analysis. Faculty Faculty in the department hold research degrees from major U.S. and European universities (George Mason University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers University, Texas A&M, University of Pittsburgh, University of San Francisco, Virginia Tech, University of Bucharest, University of Tennessee, Boston College) and have lectured around the world.
Study Abroad Opportunities for international study in the social and behavioral sciences are available through the College’s bilateral agreements with the University of Huelva in Spain and through Academic Programs International in Krakow, Poland; Budapest, Hungary; Rome and Florence, Italy; Galway and Limerick, Ireland; London, England; and Seville, Spain.
Employment Outlook A broad spectrum of career opportunities is available to the department’s majors, and the liberal arts background they receive at the College prepares them to adapt to a wide range of jobs. The presence of social conditions such as substance abuse, mental illness, prison overcrowding, and terrorism ensures that job opportunities for graduates will remain abundant. Government majors find careers with law firms, government agencies, political action committees, universities, corporations, and news media. Psychology majors are hired by such employers as government, hospitals, corporations, advertising firms, universities, retail establishments, and market research firms. Sociology majors are employed in many of these same areas, as well as by correctional institutions, halfway houses, and insurance companies. Administration of justice majors enjoy many of the above career options, as well as the potential for careers in local, state, and federal courts; law firms; corporate legal departments; and public interest law organizations. Positions Held by Recent UVa-Wise Graduates Case manager Clinical psychologist Family counselor General district court judge Lawyer Special agent, Office of Homeland Security Substance abuse counselor
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What you’ll learn
Visual and Performing Arts Offering majors in art, theatre, and music leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Department of Visual and Performing Arts also offers hands-on courses (studio/performance/production), open to all students, in musical performance, dance, art, and theatre. The department’s small size provides students a wealth of individual attention from faculty and the flexibility to fashion a course of study that fits their interests and intentions. Opportunities from freshman to senior year allow students to become involved and accrue valuable and real-world experience throughout their college tenure. Majors and Minors:
Art
Theatre
Music
Graduate Schools Attended (and Degrees Pursued) by Recent UVa-Wise Alumni
Mary Baldwin College and The American Shakespeare Center, Elizabethan Literature and Performance, MFA
Oregon State University, Design, MFA
Appalachian State, Appalachian Studies, MA
The Curriculum Academic programs in each of the artistic disciplines culminate in individualized seminars specifically tailored to a student’s area of interest. The programs include such diverse courses as Magic, Puppetry, Performance Studies, and Theatrical Aesthetics. Music and theatre programs offer students the opportunity for certification or licensure in teaching. Facilities and Equipment A recent $14 million expansion and renovation of the College Arts Complex included the creation of Gilliam Center for the Arts, where new hightech automated production equipment has expanded course offerings and strengthened the music and theatre programs. Studios and darkrooms are available for student use, and
one studio is dedicated to a visiting artist, whom students can observe at work, consult, and with whom they can schedule critiques. Student and faculty art is exhibited throughout campus.
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Communication Studies Internships UVa-Wise theatre majors have held internships with the Barter Theater, Disney, and the Trail of the Lonesome Pine. Technology Many of the department’s art courses use imaging software as a teaching tool. Dedicated high-tech equipment is available for lighting and sound work in theatre productions. All students have access to an electronic keyboard lab and a dedicated sound recording computer station. Opportunities The Highland Players, a student organization, sponsors theatre-related events and programs. The Department sponsors from two to four performances per year. Anywhere from 8 to 40 students participate in these productions, some of which tour regionally. Students have opportunities to attend theatre conferences and regional performances each year. The department’s strongest students are eligible for academic merit scholarships. Ensembles The Division of Music boasts more than a dozen ensembles, from the Marching Highland Cavaliers and Highland Winds to the Concert Choir and Highland Chorale that performs a broad range of music, from Renaissance to jazz. Additionally, our Wise Guys Low Brass Ensemble, String Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Highland Singers, and Madrigal Choir provide students important experience in chamber music. Study Abroad Opportunities for international study in the arts are available through Academic Programs International in Rome, Florence, Syracuse, and Tuscania, Italy; London, England; and Bilbao, Spain.
Employment Outlook Career opportunities for art majors include freelance designer/illustrator, graphic designer, studio artist or photographer, art teacher, art director, and museum or gallery curator. Recent graduates have found positions as art instructors, professional photographers, Web designers, and art therapists. Theatre majors acquire skills that are applicable to many vocations, especially those involving planning, organization, teamwork, budgeting, and management skills. Job titles among recent theatre graduates have included production assistant, Barter Theater; sound engineer, Barter Theater; character actor, Walt Disney World Resorts; and production technician, Orlando Entertainment Complex.
Music graduates pursue a variety of careers that include church music, performance, pre-K–12 teaching, conducting, composition, and orchestration/ arranging. Majors are also prepared to seek future graduate study in music. Positions Held by Recent UVa-Wise Graduates Acting company member Sound engineer Technical director Shop foreman Costume shop assistant Strolling Disney character Stage manager Stage crew Inventory manager
The communication major is ideal for students with career goals in journalism, media writing, human relations, sales, and public relations. The Department of Communication Studies offers students a wide array of courses in journalism, mass media, interpersonal communication, business communication, and rhetoric. Communication majors may participate in internships locally, nationally, or internationally. Outstanding students in communication studies are invited to join the national communication honor society’s Rho Xi chapter on campus. Major or Minor
Communication
Graduate Schools Attended (and Degrees Pursued) by Recent UVa-Wise Alumni
Bowling Green State University, PhD, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, PhD, Communication Media and Instructional Technology
Radford University, MS, Communication Sciences and Disorders
King College, MBA
West Virginia University, MA, Integrated Marketing Communication
University of Alabama, MS, Communication Studies
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, MA, Communication Studies
The Curriculum Students majoring in communication take courses on such topics as public speaking, oral interpretation, journalism and media writing, writing for radio-television-film, film analysis, persuasion, video production techniques, interpersonal and family communication, cooperative education, business and professional communication, and nonverbal communication. Research Opportunities Every student completes an original research project with the assistance of a faculty mentor, who acts as advisor and coinvestigator. Research project titles have included “Appalachian Speech: Attitudes toward a Backwoods Dialect,” “Representations of Mothers in Television and Film,” “Hurricane Katrina: Front-Page Newspaper Portrayals of African-Americans,” “The Art in Remixed Music,” and “Analysis of Male Bonding through Verbal Abuse.”
Study Abroad Opportunities for international study in communication are available through Academic Programs International in Grenoble, France; Rome, Italy; London, England; and Seville, Spain. Facilities and Equipment The department is supported by the Oral Communications Lab (a tutoring center for speech students), a television station, and a radio station. Internships UVa-Wise students participate in communication internships throughout the state. Internship sites have included Norton Community Hospital, Coalfield Progress, Virginia Port Authority, Johnson City Cardinals, and the College’s own offices of Student Affairs, College Relations, and Admissions and Financial Aid.
Student Newspaper The Highland Cavalier, the College’s student-published weekly newspaper, presents information relevant to the student body—from campus events and news to sports, entertainment, and editorials. Produced with the oversight of a communication studies faculty member, the newspaper offers all UVa-Wise students an opportunity to cultivate journalistic style and professionalism. Employment Outlook The demand for communication majors is rising with the increasing prevalence of communication-oriented fields. The advanced writing and speaking skills of the department’s graduates are essential in the workplace. Positions Held by Recent UVa-Wise Graduates College admissions counselor Human resources trainer Web designer Public relations associate Sales representative Career counselor College instructor, Insurance agent Community relations coordinator
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What you’ll learn
SMALL SEMINARS. BIG MOTIVATORS.
Great horned owl
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have a favorite professor moderate a late-night philosophical discussion, the Peake Honors Program may be for you. Based on the premise that academically motivated students gain energy and insight from participating in small, intensive study groups, the program offers special Honors Seminars that emphasize rigorous thinking and discussion. Honors students also participate in special off-campus excursions, including recent trips to the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.
Sample Honors Seminars
The Italian Renaissance
Plants That Changed the World
The Aging U.S. Population
Morality and Capitalism
Science and Religion
The Year 1968
“Some of the coolest and most interesting people I’ve met in college have been part of the Honors program. All of the students and faculty involved in the program are like-minded when it comes to academics, but they have a broad range of interests, which exposes me to so many new ideas.” Jessica Shartouny, Potomac Falls, Va., chemistry major, biology and English minors, RA, SGA, Peake Honors program, Art Guild, Highland Cavalier newspaper, Jimson Weed literary magazine, Fellowship in the Natural Sciences, leadership and math and science honor societies, Darden Society
What it takes. Admission to the program is open to freshmen
with an academic GPA of 3.5 or above and combined SAT scores of 1200 or better. Special Opportunities. By their junior and senior years, program
participants have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members of their choice on special research projects and independent studies. Students who successfully navigate all of the program requirements earn the distinction of graduating “with College Honors.”
head outside Holding class by Campus Lake, professor of education Wayne Wheatley describes the fundamentals of childhood learning in a course on human growth and development.
Independent Work—with support Working with one or more faculty members, each Honors student completes an independent study project before graduation. Students present the results of their interdisciplinary research publicly at special Honors colloquia.
life lessons Longtime
French instructor Mike “O’D” O’Donnell was a featured speaker at the Last Lectures, a lecture series where faculty members speak to students about the lessons they’ve learned during their careers.
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What you’ll learn
student goals. academic support.
Black bear
“My advisers at Student Support Services have helped me tremendously. Since making use of SSS, my grades have gone up, and my attitude about classes has changed. ” Annette Nicole “Nicky” Scott, Moyers, WV, and Harrisonburg, Va., sociology major, Concert Choir, Highland Choral, College Republicans, Marching Highland Cavaliers
You’re here to learn—and we’re here to help you. To assist students in navigating the wide range of academic choices available to them, UVa-Wise has developed an advising system that puts students in close contact with faculty members throughout their college experience. Be advised. Starting in freshman year, we assign every student an
advisor. Advisors meet with a small group of students weekly in a seminar course designed to smooth the transition from high school to college. Once you select a major, faculty members from the appropriate department assist in course selection, locate internships and research opportunities, and even help with applications to graduate schools and job interviews.
Student Support Services
Academic advising
Accommodation, assistance, and advice for students with disabilities
Counseling
Peer support groups
Study skills classes
Workshops
Supplemental instruction
Tutoring
(career, financial, and personal)
Additional resources. Qualified students are also invited to make use gs eetin SS m .” S t n e s differ sumé f the , jobs, ré o t a s e o es pursu nanc ial ded m atten school, fi y plans to gy or soc vel o s l a k le o d l c a i e o r i ,N oc tg lleg abou raduation n either s at the co s. y i g a h T SUCCESS icky After ’s degree e to teac er” she s k k er DENfirst year, N ort i r l t o s U d a l w T l m ou S p socia . “I w g her dent Sup TING work y, or be a durin u e t t h i t OR S b f a ’s P one d SUP struggling at UVa-Wise dvantage o have used I a “ u r l l e . e o t u v s t f f A ay gh ke I ha t sou to ta rs,” she s es, and Scot es. “I try c e i f v f r o e s S ic Serv s that SS e tutoring e h c t i v d r se an loan book
of Student Support Services on campus. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, this office has extensive resources, including diagnostic testing material, instructional videotapes, and a math lab. help when you need it Anyone who needs academic assistance may request free tutoring from the Tutor Connection. Peer tutors, supervised by College faculty, provide individual or group tutoring in many subject areas and offer computer-based assistance as well.
L earn to speak up A basic proficiency in oral communication—whether in the form of public speaking skills, small-group speaking skills, or interviewing skills— is important in every major. The Oral Communication Laboratory at UVa-Wise helps students prepare for presentations.
Pass it on Many students who begin with a need for tutoring end up tutoring others.
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“I’ve been able to help with or plan at least one community service event every month for the last year—all of which have been successful and made a direct impact on our local community. ”
What you’ll learn
multiple destinations. singular paths.
hooded warbler
Whether through volunteering, conducting summer or independent research, studying abroad, attending (or presenting at) a research conference, or taking on internships, UVa-Wise students find countless ways to supplement and enhance their learning. Cross the globe. UVa-Wise students may study abroad for a
semester with one of our sister institutions in Turkey, Spain, Mexico, Austria, and Wales, or through Academic Programs International institutions in the UK, Spain, Costa Rica, Italy, Mexico, Hungary, Poland, and France. The College also sponsors a number of international trips—such as to Spain, Scotland, and India— during fall, spring, winter, and summer breaks. Real-world experience. Opportunities for criminal justice and
Recent Community Service
Serving as youth mentors through AmeriCorps
Fund-raising for Lone Survivor Project
und-raising for St. F Jude’s Hospital
Sending care packages to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan
Fund-raising for Cavs for a Cure’s cancer research
Participating in the Chancellor for a Day food drive
Picking up litter
nursing internships are prevalent in and around Wise. Psychologyand business-related internships are also widespread in the area. Donating their time. Through AmeriCorps,
students give back to the community by mentoring area youth. This and other community service opportunities enhance the UVa-Wise experience.
Growing through service Students find personal rewards in community service.
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Christian N. Meade, Coeburn, Va., nursing major, Pi Lambda Phi president, freshman class expedition leader, Order of Omega and Gamma Sigma Alpha honor societies
Brit Lit Live Dr. John Adrian recently designed and taught the course London in Literature. Taking part in a hands-on supplement, students traveled to London and visited sites associated with William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, and others.
The people’s republic UVa-Wise students take a break on the grounds of the Pagoda of Six Harmonies in Hangzhou, a small city on the West Lake about an hour and a half from Shanghai. Accompanied by several instructors, the students gained firsthand knowledge of Chinese language and culture.
ew reate n r, , and c ursing majo e iz n a g n r a o , g n in re pla Be and ca ble to vents. been a upport y course rvice e s e s o t y it ls m kil un ties to comm u learn the s rvice IES an make ts have top doing se yo T n e e r v e e h UNI e s w s T o ate tc ple, the plans t sue a doctor ner hing ou but OPPOR r for peo d he has no , u at reac IN itio s p h t r t c e o W s a t h r t n w e rse p u WIN n Meade kno the lives of o e says, n ork.” A ation: “I hop y w il fam h radu ome a Christia ce not only in g involved,” er organiza.” after g nd bec in n h others a t e e r g o g B “ r fe in in . o if s lp r fe e o e u li s ad h ic n v n e in r in w u e in ce his o unity s ity n cont perien also in so I ca a comm ur college ex i—the fratern e in r e h v t h I ha “whe bda P nce yo says, “ n enha Pi Lam ristian h C tion, ca ys.” Through — t a siden many w he is now pre h ic of wh
d. e opene a, pus Lak re a m a g C in r din ove oks out the main lo to t a n th io addit e hall pace. DINGS5 million residenc mmons where, in entertainment s BUIL o n .4 NEW a 120-bed, $8 a new dining c g areas, and a , ed ate dinin In 2009 o open op, priv h ege als s ll o e C e ff e co Th enjoy a students
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How You’ll Live
FIVE ST ORIES
That’s the height of the C. Ba between scom Sle and after mp Stude classes. W the cente nt Center, ith an art r brings s where stu gallery, b tudent ne dents rela ookstore, cessities x and rec fitness ce and luxuri reate nter, snac es togeth k bar, and er under one roof. much mo re,
One of the advantages of UVa-Wise’s size is how much influence each student can have. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to be known here. A student who reluctantly joins an organization may find herself its president the following semester. Another student—not a theatre major—may unexpectedly land a role in a campus theatrical production. Everyone has a chance to get involved. Take the lead. Take it Easy. There aren’t many colleges where five students can get together and found a fraternity, but it happened here recently. Or where students with a desire to participate start a new club that develops into an intercollegiate sport, as it did with softball. Every fall, students gather for a weekend leadership retreat—and many clubs and organizations gain momentum and inspiration from the experience. Believe it or not, students can—and do— carry 18 hours of credit, work part time, and still manage to play several sports, volunteer, and hold student government positions. Surprising? You bet.
Meet Up You’ll not only stay active, but also make plenty of friends who will participate with you. Even students who show up not knowing a soul on campus quickly meet scores of friends everywhere: in class, in their residence hall, on their team—even in line at the dining hall.
How you’ll live
“Working as the chair of Theta Phi Alpha’s philanthropy committee has shown me how to plan, work, and organize events. It also shows me how blessed we are to be able to help people in our community.”
DIVERSE INTERESTS. SHARED PURSUITS. river otter
Paige Tiller, Honaker, Va, nursing major, Theta Phi Alpha, intramurals, Student Nursing Organization
At UVa-Wise, there’s no such thing as spare time—at least not for long. You may have heard the saying,“nature abhors a vacuum”; our always-active students confirm it. With more than 60 clubs and organizations on campus, as well as 200 campus recreation activities (intramurals/ outdoor recreation) and student activities each academic year, keeping busy is easy.
Sample Organizations
Art Guild
Baptist Collegiate Ministries
Campus Judicial Board
Cheerleaders
College Republicans
Greeks
Highland Cavalier Marching Band
Honor Court
Order of Omega
Outdoor Recreation
Phi Beta Lambda
Pre-Law Society
Pre-Professional Club
Psi Chi
Residence Hall Association
Student Activities Board
Student Government Association
Student Nursing Association
Student Virginia Education Association
he Highland T Cavalier
Make time to play. More than half of UVa-Wise students
participate in the student life program, which includes one of the best small-college intramural programs in the nation. For those less athletically inclined, other competitive offerings include everything from billiards to air hockey.
where the action is Intramural sport activities are extremely popular on campus. Intramural options include basketball, billiards, fantasy football, flag football, Frisbee golf, indoor soccer, ping-pong, softball, tennis, and volleyball. Even faculty members are eligible to participate.
fighting spirit The Highland Cavalier Marching Band energizes and inspires players and fans alike.
M l o CLASSROO o h c
es THE T OF s how to balanc ays my OU D lw w a N s ler kno ork is IN A LIFE major Paige Til , “My course w l break, I alway
g enta says ige is Nursin n. She en I need a m campus.” Pa fu d ity, n a on t wh ) soror work lved in a (TPA event ern, bu o h c v n lp in o A c e i first g to b ta Ph ecial methin er of the The rganize a sp ks. find so o b 1 attac g m 1 e in r m e lp b e e h m iv e an act e Sept urrently she’s c iversary of th where n 10th an for the
overall e in my c n e r iffe to them rld of d e a wo e says. “I go ed someone d a m s e h a “TPA h xperience,” s y, or when I n ve made e I’ cr e , d g h n e g a ll u , o g r c d to la ardin e w e e e.” Afte n r I im o t l when a life een s o r b t is fo ’s r It e B . v to rk at ill ha o w w I ally to talk t u o t t a n h ld like d eve hips t u n s o a d w n ., n ie e fr etist. en aig anesth ristol, T tion, P gradua Hospital in B ome a nurse ec al Region o school to b t k c a b go
(4 national fraternities: Alpha Sigma Phi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Phi, and Pi Lambda Phi; and 3 national sororities: Alpha Sigma Tau, Phi Sigma Sigma, and Theta Phi Alpha)
(newspaper)
take your pick Students attend UVa-Wise’s fall convocation picnic to learn about the myriad clubs and organizations on campus, such as the spiritual group Tupos.
UVa-Wise Ambassadors
UVa-Wise Concert Band
Young Democrats
27
How you’ll live
team spirit. personal growth. wood duck
Athletics are a major source of involvement at UVa-Wise, for both players and spectators. Our coaches instill the values of perseverance, teamwork, and a positive attitude—all important to career success in any field. Elite play. All Highland Cavalier sports are members of the Mid-South
Conference. In 2007, the football team, which plays at home on one of the finest playing surfaces in the nation, won the Eastern Division Conference Co-Championship. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have competed in the NAIA national tournament, men in 2010 and women in 2006. The baseball team has made two consecutive regional appearances. In 2007, women’s tennis and women’s volleyball both qualified for the regional tournament.
Men’s Varsity
Baseball
Basketball
Cross country
Football
Golf
Tennis
Women’s Varsity
Basketball
Cross country
Softball
Tennis
Volleyball
Honorable on and off the field. As the College’s ambassadors at
away games, our 200 student-athletes uphold high standards of conduct, and the pride in their good sportsmanship is carried by the entire student body.
ither es to e p o h o h wart, w ed as a rs.” Ste l or get certifi graduation, e y la p e o er with th aduate scho ates— ach aft ning co great teamm io it end gr d t t n a ve co His s, “I ha th and ewart WIN cation major St ege, streng f his fellow Cav be comedians.”r excellence, O T says o al edu should old coll ARED “Aim fo f them philosophy? o PREPealth and physicansfer from his First, the e ity.” m o s h orts ith dign :“ p s to tr w s n e l e d o h a s t e s t n When a lo n o m e d pers son wa ise for two r ld receive fro win, an Robert ou pare to a-W iar with e il w V r I U m p e w fa s e as kn he cho lso, I w uld fit right in ation I f educ mosphere. A co I lt type o fe nd I ool at a h , c e r s e ll h sma staff aching the co
best of the best Three UVa-Wise softball team members were selected in 2008 for the VaSID All-State College Division Second team, voted on by the state’s collegiate sports information directors.
On the court From February through April each year, the tennis team faces such opponents as Berea, Georgetown, and Milligan colleges.
Go, cavs! The Highland Cavaliers men’s basketball team competed in the NAIA national tournament in 2010.
“Playing sports has opened up opportunities for me— opportunities socially, and the chance to interact with the local community. I have met some great people here who really made an impression on me.” Stewart Anthony Robertson, Danville, Va., health and physical education major with a concentration in sports management, football, intramurals
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How you’ll live
“The Outdoor Recreation Program and intramurals are the reason I decided to come to UVa-Wise. When I saw all the opportunities for fun that Wise had to offer, it was impossible to say no.”
serene beauty. rugged adventure. house cricket
Shaun William Foster, Catlett, Va., business administration major, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Catlett Fire and Rescue, Goon Squad intramural team, Eagle Scout
We realize this is a special place—one whose enormous natural resources form a playground, an outdoor laboratory, and a safe territory for learning. Our students don’t have to travel far to appreciate the region’s natural beauty: the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which cover 70 percent of Wise County, adjoin the UVa-Wise campus. Students use it as a tranquil haven for meditation, a place of study, and— when hiking and rock climbing—a fitness center. Farther afield. Beyond the forest, outdoor recreation hot spots
include such destinations as Breaks Interstate Park, the Guest River Gorge Trail, Natural Tunnel, and Wilderness Road State Park. Take it all in. Cultural attractions surround Wise as well.
Students head to Abingdon to take in productions at the Barter Theatre (the State Theatre of Virginia), to visit galleries and shops, and to attend regional festivals. The Southwest Virginia Museum and the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail offer glimpses of the region’s frontier history. And wherever you go in the region, you’ll find the people as friendly and laid-back as they come.
AT HO
Busine ME OUT SIDE ss adm inistrat Shaun ion ma William jor (and Foster UVa-W Eagle S has tak ise’s o cout) utdoor en full ing in t offerin a he Out dvanta g s d g . oor Re e of made m He say cre s, a As a kid ny of my chil ation Progra “Participatm dh , I love d being ood dreams has really come t active rue. in spor ts and the
outdoo rs skydiv , and through ing, ca this pr mp o MLB g ames.” ing, hiking, a gram, I’ve go ne nd to N And Sh involve FL, au d: I saw b “Within the fi n had no trou NHL, and anners ble get rst two ting up eve weeks trips c rywher oming o f being e ment up.” Aft find a c here, ioning er g areer in events someth raduation? “ or M ing wit h outd y goal is to oor rec reation .”
Outdoor Activities
Bicycling
Camping
Canoeing
Cross-country skiing
Downhill skiing
Fishing
Golf
Hiking
Horseback riding
Hunting
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Rock climbing
Snowboarding
Swimming
Tubing
Whitewater rafting
on the town Students head into the town of Wise to eat local food, hear mountain music, and peruse the goods of Appalachian artisans.
INTO THE FOREST With 370,000 acres in Wise County alone, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests stand high on the list of destinations— for hiking, rock climbing, and canoeing, among other activities.
taking part The Outdoor Recreation Program sponsors off-campus recreation activities for students, such as caving, hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding; recently added outings include tandem skydiving and professional sporting events in nearby cities. Through the program, students can borrow tents, sleeping bags, and camping and fishing gear—and soon will have access to mountain bikes and climbing gear.
31
How you’ll live
our campus. Your home. long-tailed salamander
“Living on campus, everything is so close and easily accessible, and there are so many resources. It’s a comfortable and easy transition from living at home.” Jahmal Potter, Virginia Beach, Va., music major, communications minor, football, intramural supervisor
The sense of community in residence life is apparent right from the start. As soon as your car full of belongings arrives on “Move In Day,” you’ll likely be surrounded by students, faculty, and staff volunteering to help you unload. Home away from home. All freshmen (who are under the age
of 25, unmarried, and not residents of Wise County) live on campus. Most start off in McCraray Hall (first-year living and learning community), which has two-person rooms and community baths on each floor. Other living options for upperclassmen include suites and two- or three-bedroom apartments with or without kitchens. All residence halls are coed, tobacco-free, and wired for high-speed Internet access. Commuter connection. Students who don’t live on campus
Residence Halls
Asbury Hall
Commonwealth Hall
Culbertson Hall
Henson Hall
Martha Randolph Hall
McCraray Hall
Theme Houses
Thompson Hall
Townhouses
( 1984, 48 residents, apartmentstyle units with kitchens) (2009, 120 residents)
(2006, 125 residents, airconditioned suite-style units) ( 2000, 112 residents, air-conditioned) ( 1992, 48 residents, airconditioned suite-style units) (1973, freshmen only, 223 residents, alcohol-free) (1958, 6 residents per house) ( 1988, 48 residents, apartmentstyle units with kitchens) ( 1971, 38 residents, apartment-style units)
benefit from the commuter facilities in the Slemp Student Center, including Wi-Fi access, dining options closer to academic buildings, a fitness center, study spaces, and a T.V. lounge. ROOM TO GROW Students who live on campus spend less time on the road—leaving more time for study or student activities.
something in common In campus lounges and common areas, students get together to study, take breaks between classes, and simply relax and catch up.
) PLAY (AND articipates
ORK p YOU Wal programs he much
retty WHERE amur LIVE sked which intr l Potter says, “P des everything lu a a c Jahm hat in ee—his When FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP Meals in the Smith Dining Commons are a perfect time to catch up with friends. And Mondo’s Subs and Coyote Jack’s Grill, located in the Slemp Student Center, provide additional dining options for students.
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r T b ic majo ate Fris ink of.” in, mus g you can th tball to Ultim o in everyth ball to flag fo os fo m o fr
says ahmal le: J , s g in ffer edu e fun o nage his sch o all th a t hin m it n w io im it add ed h ing is h lp t In e w y . r h e e it s v r a sh ers kno nd e favo campu n campus, a employ n d o n g a in s liv so he ” y coac two job gether. “I have istance. All m g to work to lin gd are wil walkin er and h t o h eac