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Cohort 4 - Fall 2020

Presidential Student Ambassadors are student leaders who exemplify Mountaineer values. They come from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines, yet they are united in their passion to make a positive impact on and for West Virginia University.

  • PSA student Grant DuVall standing in front of a tree. 

    Grant DuVall

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    WVU made me feel welcome from the second I stepped on to campus. The community here in Morgantown is not only fiercely devoted to its school but filled with opportunity. WVU’s proximity to home, world-class education, and numerous scholarship opportunities made it a natural choice for me.

  • PSA student Robert Gianniny standing outside in front of an autumn tree smiling at camera.

    Robert Gianniny

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I chose WVU because of the opportunities and culture. As a West Virginia native I grew up hearing about the amazing student projects, research opportunities, and career paths. After taking a closer look I also learned about the supportive nature of the entire community, and I was sold ever since. I felt that WVU provided me the space to grow, all while offering the right guidance when I needed it.

  • PSA student Randy McFarland standing outside in front of a tree smiling at camera.

    Randy McFarland

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I chose WVU because I knew from the second I stepped on the campus it was where I wanted to be! I was surrounded by optimistic classmates and was able to envision a new life here. Being from West Virginia I knew that financially it was a good decision, as well as checking all my boxes for Majors/Student Organizations. I felt the campus culture radiate through the students, and the beautiful campus was an added plus. I knew personally it was a place that I could personally grow while also getting a quality education. I fell in love with the environmental practices put forth from being a land-grant institution as well as the beautiful surrounding nature scenes. I knew I would be able to meet a diverse set of people because of the sheer volume of students, and that is what set me aside from other/smaller colleges. Morgantown is my second home, and I'm proud to be a Mountaineer!

  • PSA student Lowell Parascandola standing outside in front of some trees smiling at camera.

    Lowell Parascandola

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I chose WVU because of the vast opportunities this University has. Whether you want to join a club, play on an intramural team, be a co-author on a research project, or go to a football game, there’s an opportunity for everyone. The atmosphere at WVU is so welcoming, it makes me truly feel at home with the other Mountaineers. The WVU legacy for me doesn’t end after 4 years, because I know WVU opened endless doors for me and will always be a part of who I am.

  • PSA Student Jude Platz standing in front of a tree.

    Jude Platz

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I chose WVU because the university felt like home when I visited, and it offered a wide range of environmental programs for an affordable cost.

  • PSA student Isaac Price standing outside in front of a tree smiling at camera.

    Isaac Price

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I chose WVU because of the influence from my friends and family as well as the strong family atmosphere that surrounds WVU. I was also impressed by the history of academic and personal success presented by the alumni of this wonderful institution.

  • PSA student Jordan Pugh standing outside in front of a tree

    Jordan Nicole Pugh

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    As a West Virginia resident, WVU’s cost effective in-state tuition and financial aid support drew me to consider attending. Visiting the campus affirmed my decision to choose WVU. The preservation and pride in Appalachian history conveyed through the campus drew me to this university. Choosing WVU felt like coming home.

  •   PSA student Ateria Walker standing outside in front of a tree smiling at camera.

    Ateria Walker

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I knew WVU had an excellent nursing program; therefore, WVU was on my list of colleges to tour. As soon as I first stepped foot on the West Virginia University campus, I knew it was the place for me. WVU has so much to offer through educational opportunities such as research, and this university has many extracurricular activities for you to participate in through involvement in student organizations. The faculty and staff make you feel like you are a part of one big mountaineer family.

  • PSA student Rhy Wiethe standing outside in front of a flowering tree smiling at camera.

    Rhy Wiethe

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    I chose WVU because it has a small community feel in a large university setting. I have always felt like I belonged–even as an out-of-state student.

  • PSA student Sarah Zanabli standing outside in front of a tree smiling at camera.

    Sarah Zanabli

    WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

    WVU is the perfect distance from home- it is far enough to have the college experience by living independently but close enough to link up with my family on the weekends in Charleston, WV. It is also the most affordable college that I applied to. Lastly, the large size of the institution allows me to meet people from all over the world but it's small enough to get to know Mountaineers personally; this really helped me feel a sense of community and belonging as a second-generation immigrant.