W.Va. Scholar Award Valued at $90,000

Date Written by Jason Keeling on March 16, 2008

There’s nothing like a good competition to bring out the best in people. In this case, it’s not about sports, but education. Though there won’t be any fake punts or last second shots, the prize is exciting, as the West Virginia Scholar Program winner will benefit for the rest of their life.
High school juniors in the state have until April 15 [...]

Appalachian Studies Conference to be Held in W.Va.

Date Written by Jason Keeling on February 28, 2008

The 31st annual Appalachian Studies Conference will be held March 28-30 on the campus of Marshall University. Scholars and citizens from across the region will discuss activism, arts, diversity, economy & power, education, film, identity, and history.
The conference program features over 100 concurrent sessions, such as “Appalachian Identity: Existence, History & Communications,” “Women & Appalachia,” [...]

W.Va. Taking Part in National Entrepreneurship Week

Date Written by Jason Keeling on February 23, 2008

It’s Entrepreneurship Week West Virginia, and from Feb. 23-29, numerous events will be taking place across the state, providing current and prospective business owners with several free training and networking opportunities. The schedule of events include the WVU Entrepreneurship Film Festival, Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol, in addition to several marketing, finance, and business development [...]

2008 West Virginia Legislative Session Underway

Date Written by Jason Keeling on January 15, 2008

The West Virginia Legislature is seven days into its 60-day regular session. The Capitol chambers, halls, and committee rooms are filled with the sound of lawmakers, citizens, and lobbyists. Most everyone has an agenda, and although it’s not perfect, democracy in action is much better than the hopelessness within tyrannical nations.
Following the process is a [...]

West Virginia Stereotypes: Don’t Believe the Hype

Date Written by Jason Keeling on December 4, 2007

Generalizations are often made about more rural states within America, and West Virginia is no stranger to being portrayed stereotypically. Skewed representations of this state have existed since its inception, were proliferated during the early days of industrialization, and remain part of the local and national subconsciousness today.
On occasion, circumstances arise that illustrate the need [...]

The Emergence of West Virginia’s Creative Economy

Date Written by Jason Keeling on November 29, 2007

West Virginia has always possessed many forward-thinkers, but 2007 could mark a turning point in the state’s cultural and economic future. A significant number of community, business, and opinion leaders are shifting from traditional approaches to development given the realization that a “new economy” has arrived, and if measures are not taken to adapt, many [...]

Writer That Overcame Poverty Returns to W.Va.

Date Written by Jason Keeling on November 23, 2007

People in West Virginia sometimes complain “there’s nothing to do,” when in reality, you simply need to know where to find the best cultural opportunities. One such place is the University of Charleston’s free Dow Speaker Series, which will host writer and author Jeannette Walls on Dec. 5 at Riggleman Hall Auditorium, [...]