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Cohort 12 - Fall 2024

  • PSA Student Mariana Alkhouri standing outside, wearing a blue PSA collared shirt and smiling at camera

    Mariana Alkhouri

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I chose to attend WVU over other elite universities because of the stellar support systems among students and between students and faculty. When I visited campus for the Discover WVU Day, I had the opportunity to visit with a professor in my major and was introduced to other students and faculty in the program. It was evident at that time that students’ ambitions were supported by their peers and faculty within the program, and that experience made me envision myself as a WVU student. I also learned about the limitless opportunities for research at WVU as an R1 research institution, and was greatly motivated by the idea of being involved in research as early as my freshman year. Because of the perfect balance between community support and academics and research, I was (and still am) proud to continue my higher education at WVU.

  • PSA student William Behrens standing outside with his arms crossed, wearing a blue PSA collared shirt and smiling at camera.

    William Behrens

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    My parents went to WVU, in fact I have a brick outside the Alumni Center stating that I was to be a future alumni. Now, I didn’t choose my college over a 20 year old brick in the ground, but it did give me the curiosity to explore WVU as an option, where I found a local and tight knit school which excels in my area of study.

  • PSA student Jayla Marie Boyd standing outside, wearing a blue PSA collard shirt, smiling at camera.

    Jayla Marie Boyd

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I knew West Virginia University was the university I wanted to call home after attending a week-long Brain Camp sponsored by the Department of Neuroscience and the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. I was enthralled by the magnitude of research taking place at the university, and the thought of being a part of the intellectual activity buzzing across campus was exhilarating. After my week as a camper, I returned to WVU to tour the campus. I felt a sense of comfort and ease as I walked around the university; I was confident that I had found a place where I would be supported, embraced, and challenged.

  • PSA student Logan Christopher Pierce standing outside wearing a blue PSA collard shirt and smiling at camera.

    Logan Christopher Pierce

    WHY DID I CHOOSE WVU?

    Growing up in a small town in West Virginia has instilled Mountaineer values within me for my entire life and WVU has always been a major part of my identity since I was born. From a young age, the power of earning an education was always reinforced by my family and they consistently encouraged me to take advantage of the plethora of opportunities that the flagship institution in West Virginia had to offer. After finally touring WVU, I immediately knew that the university was meant to be my second home, especially considering the impact that the WVU community had already had upon my development. That is what truly sold me; the community. West Virginia looks to WVU as its way to solidify its identity as this institution creates an immense sense of pride for the state, and that is what largely drove my decision. At WVU, I have found my passion and I know I can grow to be an outstanding leader, innovator in my field, and above all else, a proud WVU community member myself by consistently serving as a Mountaineer.

  • PSA Student Cloe Ratliff standing outside wearing blue collard PSA shirt and smiling at camera.

    Cloe Ratliff

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I chose to attend WVU because it provided endless opportunities outside of the classroom that excited me. I've been able to pursue my passions in research and rural health and received ample support from people all around me. When I went to decide day I could tell the staff at WVU genuinely cared about my success and wellbeing, making me instantly feel apart of the community here.

  • PSA student Sidney Reed standing wearing a blue PSA shirt and smiling at camera.

    Sidney Reed

    WHY DID I CHOOSE WVU?

    WVU is a university where everyone can find their niche. You are able to seek out and pursue any of your interests. Which was super important to me when I was deciding on where to go. Being an R1 institution, there are also endless opportunities to work with faculty that are at the forefront of research in their fields. On top of the academic resources, WVU also cultivates a rich sense of community that truly unites the student body as well as the faculty.

  • PSA student Olivia Schmieder standing outside and smiling at camera.

    Olivia Schmieder

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    When I was an eager high school student striving for a fulfilling and successful university journey, I sought out a school that could offer me the opportunities to reach my aspirations. Immediately after my initial campus tour, I knew West Virginia University provided the resources I needed to achieve my goals and dreams both academically and personally. I had the unique opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with faculty members in my department, and it provided me with a deep appreciation for the commitment professors and advisors demonstrate in guiding students towards their passions. This distinctive experience showcased that WVU truly embodies the sense of belonging, security, and support—a place I could truly call home.

  • PSA student Katie Lynn Stewart standing outside wearing a blue PSA collard shirt and smiling at camera.

    Katie Lynn Stewart

    WHY DID I CHOOSE WVU?

    I chose WVU because of the multitude of resources and a family legacy. Growing up in the Morgantown area with a parent who worked at the university developed my love for WVU. When my older sister attended WVU as well, I knew I was destined to be a Mountaineer. WVU is an extremely welcoming university with superior programs, activities, clubs, and support. As a West Virginia native, I wanted to continue my education in the state and give back to the community. I am grateful for the initiatives WVU has created to support the state. I chose WVU not only for the amazing academic programs, but also for the community.

  • PSA student Colin Street standing outside wearing a PSA shirt and smiling at camera.

    Colin Street

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I chose WVU due to its land grant mission and dedication to service and bettering the state of West Virginia.

  • PSA student Alexander Tadros standing outside wearing a PSA shirt and smiling at camera.

    Alexander Tadros

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    As a kid growing up in Morgantown, WVU was the last college I wanted to attend. However, when it came time to become serious about applying to schools and deciding where to go, it became apparent that WVU was the best choice for me. When looking deeper into WVU, I learned about aspects of the university that I had previously been unaware of or taken for granted. For example, WVU has countless programs and activities outside of the classroom that allow its students to build strong extracurricular transcripts. Growing up in Morgantown, it was also clear how big of an impact WVU makes on the surrounding community both within Morgantown and the rest of the state. There was no other university that I applied to or visited where the entire state both rallied around and benefitted from the university like WVU and West Virginia. I decided to go to WVU to be part of the team that did so much for my hometown and state.

  • PSA student Juliana Veazey standing outside, wearing a PSA shirt and smiling at camera.

    Juliana Veazey

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    WVU has a beautiful campus and a wonderful academic reputation as an R1 institution. My parents went here for grad school and I grew up coming to WVU football games. After being awarded the Bucklew scholarship, it was an obvious choice that WVU would be a great home for me.