Eberly News

This past year certainly hasn’t turned out to be what anyone expected. Our students have persevered, learning how to study in virtual classrooms and finding new ways to stay connected. We checked in with several students as they shared challenges they’ve faced since the start of the pandemic and advice for others navigating this new normal. Meet sociology PhD student Sara Guthrie.

Navigating a new normal: Sara Guthrie

This past year certainly hasn’t turned out to be what anyone expected. Our students have persevered, learning how to study in virtual classrooms and finding new ways to stay connected. We checked in with several students as they shared challenges they’ve faced since the start of the pandemic and advice for others navigating this new normal. Meet sociology PhD student Sara Guthrie.

The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University has named recipients for its 2020-2021 awards for faculty and staff. 

In total, the Eberly College recognized 11 individuals across four categories for their talent, commitment and service to the College and WVU.

Eberly College announces 2020-2021 outstanding staff and faculty awards

The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences has named recipients for its 2020-2021 awards for faculty and staff. In total, the Eberly College recognized 11 individuals across four categories for their talent, commitment and service to the College and WVU.

Closed religious communities such as the Amish are high-risk populations for the spread of both infectious diseases and public health misinformation, according to sociologists from West Virginia University who are working with data from Amish and Mennonite settlements to understand the COVID-19-related beliefs and behaviors prevalent within their communities.

WVU researchers study high-risk populations in low-tech communities

Closed religious communities such as the Amish are high-risk populations for the spread of both infectious diseases and public health misinformation, according to sociologists from West Virginia University who are working with data from Amish and Mennonite settlements to understand the COVID-19-related beliefs and behaviors prevalent within their communities.

Frannie Kitzmiller

Criminology student named among the nation’s first female Eagle Scouts

Frannie Kitzmiller, a first-year criminology student and Morgantown native, made history Feb. 4 when she became one of the nation’s first woman Eagle Scouts – a prestigious achievement attained by some of the country’s most noteworthy figures.

Adia Kolb abroad

2020-2021 Eberly Scholars: Adia Kolb

Meet sociology and women's and gender studies major Adia Kolb.

Rural residents often lack internet access – but how do West Virginians compare? Do West Virginians put off expensive medical care more or less than the average American? 

A first-of-its-kind survey produced by the Survey Research Center and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at West Virginia University is helping answer questions like these by making statewide socioeconomic data publicly available.  

The West Virginia Social Survey focuses on the most prevalent challenges faced by West Virginia residents. It will produce state-specific reports on issues like internet access, the economy, health, crime, volunteering, religion and more, which can help inform policymakers.

Most social surveys are conducted nationally. A typical random sample of average American adults includes 1,000 to 2,000 individuals from all over the U.S. While these surveys are useful for informing the public about national trends, they are less helpful for learning about specific states, especially those with smaller populations, like West Virginia.

Filling in the blanks

A first-of-its-kind survey produced by the Survey Research Center and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at WVU is examining the most pressing challenges facing West Virginians by making statewide socioeconomic data publicly available.

WVU’s annual Diversity Week, set for October 11-16, 2020, promotes celebration, education and understanding of different identities and experiences present on our campus. Diversity Week is designed to create an atmosphere that provides the WVU community the opportunity to explore different cultures, engage in discussions that bring new perspectives and celebrate the presence of and contributions made by people of all identities and experiences. Our Eberly College students, faculty and staff are offering several events throughout the week.

WVU announces 2020 Diversity Week events

WVU’s annual Diversity Week, set for October 11-16, 2020, promotes celebration, education and understanding of different identities and experiences present on our campus. Diversity Week is designed to create an atmosphere that provides the WVU community the opportunity to explore different cultures, engage in discussions that bring new perspectives and celebrate the presence of and contributions made by people of all identities and experiences. Our Eberly College students, faculty and staff are offering several events throughout the week. Learn more about Diversity Week and the events below.

Talia Buchman studying abroad

2020-2021 Eberly Scholars: Talia Buchman

Meet anthropology student Talia Buchman.

Eberly College announces 2019-2020 outstanding student awards

Congratulations to our outstanding seniors and graduate assistants for 2019-2020!

A new West Virginia University research collaborative is working to address the many challenging conditions facing the state and Appalachia. 

In the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative for a Safe and Healthy Society, researchers from a wide range of disciplines are working together with partners across campus to seek solutions to these pressing issues.

The collaborative brings together faculty, staff and students who work in communities around the state in areas like community development, substance use prevention and treatment, drug policy, healthcare policy, medical sociology and crime.

Planting seeds for a safe and healthy society

A new WVU research collaborative is working to address the many challenging conditions facing the state and Appalachia. In the Eberly College's Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative for a Safe and Healthy Society, researchers from a wide range of disciplines are working together with partners across campus to seek solutions to these pressing issues.