#WVSolutions Seekers Statewide Student Leadership Conference

 

 
 
 
 
This conference welcomes West Virginia high school juniors and seniors, college and training program students to participate in a jam-packed day of programming that allows them to meet state leaders and learn how they can be successful professionally right here at home. High school juniors and seniors students are free through a partnership with the Department of Education. College and training program student tickets are only $12 per student plus processing fees. Scholarships are available. If you are student who is passionate about West Virginia, then this is the conference for you! Check back for updates on our 2023 conference. 
 

Special Thanks to our 2022 Program Sponsor: 

 

 

*Agenda is being updated daily. 

8:45 a.m. Opening Remarks

  • Joey Wisemen, Director, Office of Middle and Secondary Learning, Division of Teaching and Learning, West Virginia Department of Education
  • Elizabeth Manuel, Senior Director, The Division of Student Affairs, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

Morning Sessions:

8:55 a.m. Ice Breaker Exercise

  • Trevor Darago, Communications Specialist, West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network

9:25 a.m. Sponsor Remarks

  • Diana Whitlock, Vice-President and WV Community Manager, JPMorgan Chase Bank

9:40 a.m. Introduction of Keynote Speaker

  • Brandon Dennison, CEO, Coalfield Development 

9:45 a.m. Keynote Address

  • Gayle Manchin, Federal Co-Chair, Appalachian Regional Commission 

10:10 a.m. Student Leaders Award Ceremony 

  • Brittany Bruce, Special Projects Coordinator, MURC

Breakout Sessions:

10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Breakout Session 1: Are you prepared? Get College Ready

  • Autumn Perry, College Access and Success Program Director, Division of Student Affairs, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission 
  • Lauren Landry, Student Success Coordinator, Department of Education

Breakout Session 2: Learning Experience: Fellowships and Apprenticeships
Moderator: Brandon Dennison, CEO Coalfield Development

  • Sarah Riley, Executive Director, High Rocks 
  • Alex Weld, Executive Director, Generation WV 
  • Dave Lavender, Coordinator, Apprenticeship in Motion, West Virginia Development Office
  • Oliva McCuskey, Director of Strategic Engagement, Education Alliance 

Afternoon Sessions:

11:15 a.m. Test Your Luck: Gameshow Giveaway 

  • Sara Payne Scarbro, Associate Vice President for External Engagement, MURC
  • Brittany Bruce, Special Projects Coordinator, MURC 

11:30 a.m. Break 

12:00 p.m. Community Asset Mapping Group Project

  • Sara Payne Scarbro, Associate Vice President for External Engagement, MURC

12:45 p.m. The Place Where We Belong: A student leaders & WV professionals’ panel
Moderator: Tiffany Ellis-Williams, Director, Workforce & Economic Development, WV Council for Community and Technical College Education 

  • Susie Mullens, Project Coordinator, West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network
  • Tia Welch, Director State of WV Equal Employment Opportunity Office
  • Dr. Bill Bissett, State Director, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito 
  • Dr. Michelle Taylor, Department Chair and Associate Professor, Bluefield State College
  • Dr. Kelli Johnson, Associate University Librarian and Head of Access Services and Outreach, Marshall University Libraries and Online Learning

2:00 p.m. Business Spotlight

  • Good Gauley Coffee Company – Nicholas County Technical Career and Technical Center 

2:15 p.m. Finding a Good Balance for your Overall Health   
Moderator: Terri Baker, Grant Projects Manager, Center for Rural and Community Health West Virginia Osteopathic School of Medicine

  • Heather McDonnell-Stalnaker, Project Director, WV Collegiate Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success
  • Carley Knuckles, C-SPF-PFS Student Leader and Active Minds, President, WVU Tech
  • Josh Grant, Coordinator of Wellness Education, West Virginia Department of Education
  • Diana Whitlock, Vice-President and WV Community Manager, JPMorgan Chase Bank

3:00 p.m. Stress Management through Koru Mindfulness and Meditation

  • Kellie Toledo, Director, Counseling Services West Virginia State University
  • Carla Blankenbuehler, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Counseling, BridgeValley Community and Technical College 

3:30 p.m. Closing Remarks 

  • Brittany Bruce, Special Projects Coordinator, MURC 
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