LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) took time to honor its dedicated staff and faculty during its annual Employee Celebration on June 10.
The event, hosted by the Office of Human Resources, marked the unofficial start of summer while recognizing employees for outstanding service, milestone anniversaries, and retirement.
“This celebration is all about you — the incredible individuals who keep WVSOM moving forward. It’s our opportunity to honor your contributions, celebrate retirements, recognize career growth and enjoy time together as a community,” said Leslie Bicksler, WVSOM’s chief human resources officer.
“What sets us apart isn’t just our mission, it’s our people. Your integrity, your dedication, your passion — those are the things that make WVSOM the kind of place you want to work, stay and even retire from.”
The celebration included the presentation of 18 awards in six categories and honored 11 retirees: Suzanne Fry, Tim Garrow, Ph.D., Joan Gates, Dale Jackson, Charles McClung, D.O., Mary Norris, Ph.D., Ernest Piercy, Cliff Stone, Jack Thatcher, Ph.D., James Wadding, D.O., and Cheryl Workman.
Piercy, the school’s warehouse supervisor, was recognized as WVSOM’s longest-serving employee, with more than 47 years of service.
The Rising Star Award, recognizing new employees who demonstrate a strong commitment to WVSOM’s mission, was awarded to Grettell Celeiro, a campus service worker, and Daniel Cook, network manager.
Michael Peterson, D.O., regional assistant dean of the South Central Region, received the Statewide Campus Pride Award, which honors an employee in one of the school’s seven Statewide Campus regions for exceptional service.
This year also marked the debut of the Gwen Clingman Heart of Gold Award, created in memory of a longtime supporter of the school. The inaugural recipient was Andrea Nazar, D.O., professor and chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences.
Ten staff members received the Living Our Mission Award: Chad Burns, Julie Cepec, Sarah Day, Eric Dixon, Hilary Hamric, D.O., Sherri Miller, Julie Morgan, Derrick Poage, Jason Thomas, and Mark VanBuren.
The President’s Outstanding Faculty Award went to Courtney Eleazer, Ph.D., and Kathleen Martin, M.D., while the President’s Outstanding Employee Award was presented to Mara Davis, program coordinator of graduate programs, and Scott Maxwell, graduate medical education technical manager.
The school also honored employees for their long-term service. Thirteen employees reached 15 years of service, six reached 20 years, Kim LaBrie was recognized for 25 years, and Chester Loudermilk marked 30 years.
WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., praised the faculty and staff for their dedication to the institution.
“Each of you plays a vital role in our mission and I want to take this moment to say thank you,” he said. “Whether you’re teaching in the classroom, supporting our students behind the scenes, maintaining our beautiful campus or leading from your corner of campus — you are the heart of this institution.”
Nemitz also announced faculty promotions and tenures effective July 1. Brian Griffith, Ph.D., was promoted to professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences; Andy Kelso, Ph.D., to associate professor in the same department; and in the Department of Clinical Sciences, Chelsea Feger, D.O., and Christopher Kennedy, D.O., were granted tenure and promoted to associate professor, while Aaron McGuffin, M.D., was promoted to professor with tenure.
WVSOM currently employs about 310 people.
