Eberly News

An assistant professor in the Department of English, she is using the award to write and do research toward her second book of poems. 

Kassandra Colón’s passion to cultivate inclusive spaces and improve cultural representation in the classroom has only grown through her experiences at  West Virginia University. Her commitment to community engagement has led to her selection as a finalist for the prestigious Truman Scholarship, the premier award for those who are pursuing careers in public service.

Wheeling, West Virginia, native London Orzolek will present her research on first-generation college students at the 117th Annual Meeting of the American Anthropological Association on Thursday, Nov. 15 in San Jose, California. Orzolek is a West Virginia University senior studying anthropology and women’s and gender studies with a minor in development studies. She is also the president and founder of the WVU Anthropology Club and a member of the Pi Beta Phi women’s fraternity, the honors society Order of Omega, anthropology honors society Lambda Alpha and the Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology Association, a WVU student organization. In celebration of National First-Generation College Student Day, she sat down with us to discuss her research and plans for the future. 

Kassandra Colón, a junior triple majoring in Latin American Studies, Geography and Women’s and Gender Studies, is an influential figure in creating a more inclusive and welcoming experience for students from underrepresented groups at West Virginia University. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native is the former executive director of diversity for the Student Government Association, has developed a microaggression training at WVU for the New Student Orientation staff, serves as an emeritus board member for The Women’s Debate Institute, is an intern for Title IX and is the project organizer for Project La Resolana, an initiative that donates books to students of color at the Miami Urban Debate League. Colón talked with us about the inspiration for her involvement at WVU and her plans for the future.

Erika Kirby to speak on how communication in relationships helps or hurts work-life balance in second annual Seehra Lecture

Two students on the West Virginia University Debate Team have qualified for the National Debate Tournament for the first time since 1986.

Recent social movements, such as the women’s march and #MeToo, have brought gender to the forefront of public discussion.

Eleven students from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University have been selected to intern at the West Virginia State Legislature this semester. 

West Virginia University sophomore Shaniyah Jasper, a women’s and gender studies major with a minor in law and legal studies, aspires to help improve the everyday lives of women around the world. The Iselin, New Jersey native traveled to Uganda during the winter recess to advocate for women’s rights and teach about HIV/AIDS prevention. She talked with us about her volunteer experience and her plans for the future. 

Here are some courses sparking interest this fall