���This group of student teachers has done an exceptional job during their time at 勛圖扦 and during student teaching this semester,��� said Dr. Shellie Brown, Dean for the School of Education and Social Sciences. ���They are fully prepared and will be wonderful teachers with a true heart for helping students learn and grow.���

Abigail Boehm of Addison, Illinois graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education K-12. About her time at 勛圖扦, Abigail said, ���The overall experience of Teacher Education through 勛圖扦 helped me to become an effective educator. I met some incredible classmates and professors who helped to guide me to success.��� Abigail was a member of the 勛圖扦 women���s volleyball team and was on the Dean���s and President���s lists throughout her time at 勛圖扦. Abigail will begin teaching at Graham Middle School in the fall.

Savannah Holmes of Culpeper, Virginia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education K-12. Savannah was a member of the Missions Club, team captain of the women���s soccer team, a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a resident advisor, and an honors graduate. Savannah stated, ���I couldn���t be more thankful for my supervisors and mentor at Bluefield who have spent countless hours working with me and praying over me each and every day. You won���t find a family atmosphere like the one here at Bluefield. The Education program begins building a strong academic foundation from day one for its students and continues to pour into its graduates once they leave as well.���

Seth Johnson of Rich Creek, Virginia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education PreK-6. During his time at 勛圖扦, Seth was on the Dean���s and President���s lists for academic achievement. He is a member of the Wolf Creek Ruritan Club. Seth said, ���勛圖扦���s Teacher Education Program didn���t just prepare me to teach, it transformed the way I see myself, my students, and the power of education. I entered as a learner, but I���m leaving as an educator with purpose, confidence, and a heart shaped for service.���

LoriAne Lester of Tazewell, Virginia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education K-12. Her spouse is William Lester. LoriAne was a teacher apprentice in the Grow Your Own Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program at Tazewell High School during her time at 勛圖扦. LoriAne said, ���My time in the education program has been rewarding and challenging in all the right ways, helping me grow in confidence, patience, and purpose.��� LoriAne will begin teaching at Tazewell High School in the fall.

Alexis McDuffie of Bluff City, Tennessee graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education PreK-6. Her parents are Carrie McDuffie and Nathan McDuffie. During her time at 勛圖扦, Alexis was a member of the softball team and Alpha Chi Honors Society. Alexis stated, ���勛圖扦���s Teacher Education Program has been an incredibly meaningful experience. It has helped me grow into a confident leader and educator, while also strengthening my relationship with the Lord.���

Michelle Murphy of Bluefield, Virginia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education PreK-6. Her spouse is Craig Murphy. Michelle was a teacher apprentice in the Teacher Apprenticeship Program at Graham Intermediate School during her time in the program. Of her time in the program, Michelle said, ���My experience in the Teacher Education Program at 勛圖扦 has been incredibly meaningful and has shaped the teacher I am becoming. Through hands-on classroom experiences, supportive professors, and guidance from mentor teachers, I grew in confidence and came to truly understand the impact a teacher can have on students��� lives. The program not only prepared me with instructional strategies and classroom skills, but it also strengthened my passion for helping students learn, grow, and feel supported in the classroom.���

Christina Taylor of Richlands, Virginia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education PreK-6. During her time at 勛圖扦, Christina was on the President���s List and graduated summa cum laude. Christina was a teacher apprentice in the Teacher Apprenticeship Program at Richlands Elementary School during her time in the program. Christina stated, ���My experience in the Teacher Education Program has helped me grow not only as a future educator, but also as a person. It gave me the confidence, skills, and real classroom experience I need to be successful in my own classroom.��� Christina will begin teaching at Richlands Elementary School in the fall.

To learn more about the education programs offered by 勛圖扦, both online and on-campus at the graduate and undergraduate levels, visit our School of Education & Social Sciences page.

The post 勛圖扦 Students Complete Student Teaching at Local Schools appeared first on 勛圖扦.

The Reasor Family Graham High School Scholarship will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible Graham graduates from the Class of 2026 or later who enroll at 勛圖扦 for on-campus classes in the fall semester immediately following graduation.

Eligible students may secure the scholarship by accepting their admission offer and submitting the confirmation fee, which verifies their intent to attend 勛圖扦. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available.

���Cindy and I, along with our family, lived in Bluefield, Virginia, for more than 15 years, and 勛圖扦 has remained important to us,��� Jack Reasor said. ���Both of our children were born in Tazewell County. Our daughter, Megan, graduated from Graham High School, and our son, Bryan, also went through the public schools in Bluefield and completed ninth grade at Graham just before we moved to Richmond.���

Jack Reasor announces the Reasor Family Graham High School Scholarship at a 勛圖扦 commencement ceremony.

Jack Reasor is a longtime business leader, former Virginia state senator, and chairman of 勛圖扦���s Board of Trustees. His career has included leadership in law, banking, and the energy industry, along with continued service to education and the Southwest Virginia region.

The gift will provide immediate support for incoming freshmen while also creating long-term scholarship assistance for future Graham High School graduates. A portion of the funding will be available immediately for new students enrolling in the fall 2026 term, while additional funding will be allocatedto an endowed scholarship to support Graham High School graduates in the years ahead.

���This scholarship recognizes the support Graham High School provided to our family and the importance of local public schools to our community and to this university,��� Jack Reasor said. ���We may live in Richmond and other communities, but the Bluefields and Southwest Virginia will always be important to our family.���

���This scholarship is a meaningful investment in local students and local families,��� said Dr. Steve Peterson, president of 勛圖扦. ���Graham High School has served generations of students in this community, and we are honored to help more of its graduates continue their education.���

2026 Graham High School graduates interested in the Reasor Family Graham High School Scholarship should apply for admission as soon as possible at .

The post New Scholarship Opens Door for Graham Graduates to Attend 勛圖扦 appeared first on 勛圖扦.

The university began its Teacher Apprenticeship Program in partnership with Tazewell County Public Schools in 2024 through grant funding from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). During the program, teacher apprentices gained valuable on-the-job training while completing their college coursework.

���The Teacher Apprenticeship Program was designed to remove barriers for individuals to complete their bachelor���s degrees in education and obtain teacher licensure,��� said Dr. Shellie Brown, Dean for the School of Education and Social Sciences. ���We are very thankful for this opportunity for our students and the partnership with Tazewell County Public Schools.���

勛圖扦 has three teacher apprentices currently completing student teaching and graduating in May 2026.

LoriAne Lester, Bachelor of Science in Special Education K-12, is a teacher apprentice at Tazewell High School. ���My experience with the Teacher Apprenticeship Program has been truly fabulous,��� LoriAne shared. ���The partnership between 勛圖扦 and Tazewell County Public Schools allowed me to continue working in my school while completing my education degree online.���

Michelle Murphy, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education PreK-6, is a teacher apprentice at Graham Intermediate School. ���The most impactful part of my journey at 勛圖扦 is the relationships I have built with my peers and professors who have encouraged and supported me along my journey,��� Michelle said. ���Their guidance and shared experiences have helped shape my growth as both a student and a future educator.���

Christina Taylor, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education PreK-6, is a teacher apprentice at Richlands Elementary School. ���My experience in the Teacher Apprenticeship Program has been incredibly meaningful,��� Christina shared. ���I���ve loved being in the classroom every day, building relationships with my students, and learning from my mentor as I grow into the teacher I want to become.���

���The Teacher Apprenticeship Program has allowed LoriAne, Michelle, Christina, and other teacher apprentices the opportunity to train locally within 勛圖扦���s flexible online programs and to stay local as they begin to teach for Tazewell County,��� Dr. Brown said.

To learn more about the education programs offered by 勛圖扦, both online and on-campus at the graduate and undergraduate levels, visit our School of Education & Social Sciences page.

The post First Teacher Apprentices Graduating from 勛圖扦 appeared first on 勛圖扦.

���Commencement represents one of the most significant moments in the life of the University,��� said Steve Peterson, President of 勛圖扦. ���It is a time when we celebrate not only academic achievement, but also perseverance and the calling each of our graduates carries into the future.���

Three Ceremonies Honoring Academic Achievement

勛圖扦 will host three commencement ceremonies over the weekend:

Friday, May 1, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Graduate Ceremony
The graduate ceremony will recognize students completing master���s-level programs, including those in the Master of Biomedical Sciences program. Lashunn Gardin and Katherine Glover will serve as the graduate student speakers, representing the accomplishments and experiences of Bluefield���s graduate community.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. | Undergraduate Ceremony
This ceremony will include graduates from:

• School of Criminal Justice
• School of Education and Social Sciences
• College of Arts and Letters
• Associate degree programs

Landon Breeden has been selected by the faculty to serve as the student speaker for this ceremony.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Undergraduate Ceremony
This ceremony will honor graduates from:

• Caudill School of Business
• College of Science and Health Sciences
• School of Nursing

Brayden Surface will serve as the student speaker for the afternoon ceremony.

Distinguished Keynote Speaker

勛圖扦 is proud to welcome Jack Reasor as the keynote speaker for the Spring 2026 Commencements. A respected business leader and entrepreneur, Reasor offers extensive professional experience and a strong dedication to leadership and service. Mr. Reasor currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, a position he has held for three years.

His speech is expected to inspire and challenge graduates as they prepare to enter the workforce, pursue advanced education, and live their calling with purpose and integrity.

The Spring 2026 Commencements symbolize both a celebration of achievement and a reflection of institutional momentum.

Information regarding graduation ceremonies can be found at the following:

• Undergraduate ��� /undergraduate-commencement-family-friends/
• Graduate ��� /graduate-commencement-family-friends/

The post 勛圖扦 Celebrates Spring 2026 Commencement Across a Unified Weekend of Ceremonies appeared first on 勛圖扦.

The project represents one of the university���s most significant investments in residential life and campus infrastructure. It also reflects an effort to preserve the legacy of two residence halls that have long shaped the students��� experience at Bluefield.

���These renovations reflect an essential investment in our students and the environments where they live,��� said Steve Peterson, President of 勛圖扦. ���We are excited about these upgrades to Rish and Cruise Halls. The improvements will have an immediate impact and reflect the positive momentum we have across campus.���

Cruise Hall, which opened in 1922, is the university���s oldest residence hall. It has served as a home for students and remained a visible part of Bluefield���s history and tradition. Rish Hall opened in the 1960s as the university���s first residence hall for women and has played a central role in campus life for generations of students.

An image of Cruise Hall.

Both buildings will undergo extensive renovations, updating interior spaces and major building systems. Planned improvements include upgraded common areas and lounges, fully renovated bathrooms, new energy-efficient windows, and the installation of PTAC heating and air conditioning units in each room. Once completed, every residence hall on campus will offer climate control.

The timeline for the work is scheduled during the summer months, so students can begin seeing the results when they return this fall. Rish Hall will receive a full renovation during that period, while Cruise Hall will undergo substantial upgrades in key areas during the initial phase. Additional work on Cruise Hall will continue beyond the summer.

���I think it���s a big step for the university and for the on-campus students,��� said Will Austin, Residence Hall Director for Cruise Hall. ���It���s a turning point for the residence life facilities and a push towards a better campus experience.���

The $3 million renovation effort is being funded through a combination of institutional investment and philanthropic support, including the generous partnership and shared commitment of our sister institution, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM).

���勛圖扦 has been an exceptional partner. In addition to their pre-medical science degree, we have shared programs like the Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences and the Master of Health Science in Anesthesia. These programs are supporting the growth of healthcare providers in our region,��� said Dr. Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, President of VCOM. ���We are proud to support these renovations as another meaningful investment in the student experience and in the future we are building together.���

勛圖扦 is also working with alumni, friends, and strategic partners to expand the reach of the project, with opportunities to further enhance student spaces, improve amenities, and support the long-term sustainability of residential life on campus.

The residence hall renovations are part of a broader effort to strengthen campus infrastructure and improve the student experience. Recent campus projects have included the renovation of Alumni Hall, major upgrades in Lansdell Hall, and continued improvements to the university library. The Dome is also scheduled for renovation this summer.

Together, these projects will bring total campus renovations to more than $6 million over two years, marking a period of substantial investment in the future of 勛圖扦 and the students who call it home.

The post 勛圖扦 Announces Major Renovations to Cruise Hall and Rish Hall appeared first on 勛圖扦.

The instrument was obtained as government surplus from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), providing access to technology that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. New, the instrument carries a list price of nearly $80,000.

Dr. Joe Saunders, professor of chemistry, retrieved the GC-MS from a DEA lab in Largo, Maryland.

���This instrument is a tandem gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and is a wonderful tool to separate (semi-)volatile mixtures, quantify, and identify each component,��� Dr.Saunders said.

The GC-MS enables rapid analysis of complex samples, such as determining the composition of gasoline by identifying hydrocarbons like iso-octane and ethanol. These capabilities support real-world applications, including forensic investigations.

���This analysis can apply to our forensic science program for cases of arson to determine the identity and source of an accelerant,��� Dr.Saunders added.

This marks the first time 勛圖扦 has made a GC-MS available to students on campus. Installation and setup are ongoing, including software integration and system calibration. The instrument is expected to be incorporated into the Quantitative & Instrumental Analysis course, with a target of Fall 2027.

The addition strengthens 勛圖扦���s ability to provide students with meaningful, career-focused laboratory experience.

The post 勛圖扦���s Chemistry Department Acquires GC-MS Instrument appeared first on 勛圖扦.

The concert is part of the university���s biennial Music Alumni Reunion Weekend, celebrating the legacy and ongoing impact of BU���s music programs. The evening will include performances by both current students and alumni who have been part of the university���s musical ensembles.

Performers will include an alumni band directed by Dr. Andy Necessary, bringing together former instrumentalists for a special reunion performance. Guest alumni conductors will also lead selected pieces throughout the program.

Additionally, an alumni choir will perform under the direction of Craig Courtney in preparation for the ���Divine Encounter��� concert this November, where BU students and graduates will again perform under Courtney���s direction at Carnegie Hall.

The post 勛圖扦 to Host “Sighs Into Song” Alumni Concert appeared first on 勛圖扦.

Chesed Russell is a 勛圖扦 senior who has gone above and beyond. Not only is she working diligently on , she is scoring points for the BU women���s volleyball team, working as a Resident Advisor, serving the school as a Student Ambassador, and traveling the world through mission trips, all while completing three specializations in Communication.

���I grew up in Powhatan, Virginia, which was honestly a place with not a lot of diversity. My father is a pastor there and that is one of the reasons that my faith is such a big aspect of my life today,��� Chesed said.

���I initially wanted to get recruited for volleyball after high school but almost had to give up on that dream because of some coaching issues. That is, until my parents and I found 勛圖扦,��� she added. ���I loved the location, smaller size, and surprising amount of diversity. I later reached out to the coach and was offered a scholarship. I was not quite sure what I wanted to major in though.���

Her uncertainty didn���t last very long, however.

���When looking at Bluefield���s programs, Graphic Communication really piqued my interest. I had already committed to Bluefield for volleyball before having a formal visit, but on my campus tour, Professor Roberts actually came and sat down with me and my family. This meant a lot to us because he took time out of his Saturday to meet us and answer any questions we had,��� Chesed shared.

Graphic Communication was not the only program she ended up pursuing. Chesed is also currently finishing out the Digital Marketing and Sports Communication programs, but her work in communication didn���t just end at her majors.

���During my freshman year, I learned more about The Rampage through Professor Shoemaker. He then encouraged me to apply to become a Rampage Scholar,��� Chesed said. ���I have received this scholarship for the last 2 years, and it has truly helped me grow creatively.���

Since then, Chesed has used her time on The Rampage to develop her skills professionally and creatively, with her primary role being page layout and design.

���The thing that I enjoy most about working on The Rampage is getting to design and layout the print version of the magazine,��� she shared. ���Over the last 4 semesters working on The Rampage, I���ve been able to work with Jenny Mitchell, John Thompson, and Ben Ayers to create 7 different editions of the magazine. It feels extremely rewarding to see your work printed, especially in a technology driven world.���

It���s more than just working on a magazine for Chesed. It���s a rewarding experience that spans across campus to all departments and students. It���s a rewarding creative journey that lets students better themselves and see that their work and effort can have an impact outside the classroom.

���If you are interested in news, writing, photography, or design, I would strongly recommend joining The Rampage,��� Chesed said. ���This is a great resume builder, but it also gives you experience working on a team to create something special. You learn skills like problem-solving, website management, marketing, and even social media management.���

At 勛圖扦, Chesed has built impactful, long-lasting relationships with her professors and values the connections and advice they have given her, a sentiment that many BU students share.

���The thing that I enjoy most about being a Communication major at BU would have to be the professors. Professor Roberts and Professor Shoemaker have taught me, and continue to teach me, many skills and lessons that I can apply to my future career,��� Chesed explained.

She also appreciates the sense of connectedness and community that comes with being a Communication student at 勛圖扦, which provides valuable experiences inside and outside the classroom with rewards that benefit the surrounding local communities while helping develop aspiring communication majors.

���Some of my favorite classes include hands-on work that helps me build up my portfolio and even make new contacts. One great example is the Designing for Graphic Customers class taught by Professor Roberts,��� Chesed said. ���He contacts non-profits, small businesses, and churches in the community to see if they need design help. This includes logos, fliers, websites, etc. My classmates and I then ���compete��� to have our designs chosen. I enjoyed this class so much, I actually took it twice.���

���If you are considering declaring Communication as your major, I would strongly encourage it,��� she added. ���Communication is the foundation of almost every career and every aspect of your life. Communication majors are also extremely versatile and have a role for practically anyone.���

With her time at BU coming to an end, Chesed is doing anything but slowing down, continuing to push herself physically, creatively, and professionally. She has left an impact not just on her peers, but the campus as a whole, working hard to help her professors carve a future for communication through her hard work and dedication. No matter where she goes, Chesed is sure to make a positive impact.

���After this Spring, I will only have one semester left at BU,��� Chesed shared. ���I hope to continue to grow as a student, athlete, and individual during this time. I am planning on working with my professors to perfect my portfolio/resume to be best prepared for life after college. Once I graduate, I hope to find a job where I get to utilize my majors, especially graphic design, and maybe also get my feet wet in the wedding planning world, on the side.���

The post Senior Chesed Russell: A Creative in the Classroom and Killer on the Court appeared first on 勛圖扦.

Named for the university���s Monday night ���Home��� services, the Home Team included Abbie Bradley, Ben Campbell, Mia Garrett, Ashlyn Newman, Ethan Richardson, and Carly Wright.

The group led worship during the second main session on Saturday morning, in addition to leading two prayer rooms over the weekend. Several members were also invited to join Gettysburg Foursquare���s praise band during other conference sessions and its Sunday morning services.

BU���s Campus Pastor, Mason West, was part of the conference speaker lineup and preached on Saturday afternoon.

The post 勛圖扦 Students Lead Worship at Youth Conference appeared first on 勛圖扦.

As athletics are a defining part of 勛圖扦���s identity, it���s the faces behind gameday setup and operations that help make each event memorable. Sports Information Director (SID) Nick Cooper leads a talented group of work-study students who assist with every aspect of gameday operations. That team includes Dayson McMillion, Emmy Spaulding, Alayshia Griffith, Dylan Nash, Jehari Riley, Conrad Ellis and Lisa Jiminez.

Sophomore Emmy Spaulding spoke about the importance of the work that happens behind the scenes.

���Without the efforts of the Sports Information Department, I think attendance and the overall environment at games would significantly decrease,��� she said. ���I believe the basketball game on Senior Day showed those efforts precisely. From the music to halftime participation, everything created an exciting atmosphere. It���s much easier to rally a team behind an energized crowd.���

Freshman Dylan Nash recently joined the sports information team and shares Spaulding���s belief in the impact of gameday operations.

���None of the sports would thrive like they do without gameday operations,��� he said. ���Everyone plays a vital role, doing all the behind-the-scenes work to get everything accomplished before, during and after games.���

Many of the student workers in the Sports Information Department are also student-athletes, giving them the opportunity to step outside their own sport and experience another side of athletics. Alayshia Griffith, a sports management major, spoke about how the position connects with her future career goals.

���I just love being around sports,��� she said. ���This has given me the experience of working directly in athletics, especially since my major focuses on the business side of sports.���

Cooper emphasized how essential his student workers are to the department���s success.

���They keep everything behind the scenes running smoothly,��� he said. ���I���m only one set of hands, and we have a great group that I fully trust to provide a great gameday atmosphere for student-athletes and fans.���

The students take on a wide range of responsibilities, including photography and videography, graphic design, tracking statistics, managing music and video boards across three sporting arenas, and assisting with office operations.

Senior Dayson McMillion often works the music or captures photos during events.

���I���d say I have pretty good taste in music, and it makes me feel good when I get our crowd and student section excited during basketball games,��� he said. ���As an athlete myself, I also know how important it is to have good photos and videos to capture those moments.���

McMillion added that without sports information workers, athletes wouldn���t have the same opportunity to showcase their performances and preserve memories that last a lifetime.

While the job requires long hours and attention to detail, the reward is worth the effort.

���If you love sports or plan to work in a career in sports, this position allows you to get a real feel for the industry ��� long gamedays, last-minute changes and all,��� Griffith said. ���I highly recommend anyone interested to get their foot in the door as early as possible.���

Though fans may never see the countless hours of preparation that happen before tipoff or kickoff, the impact is felt in every cheer, highlight reel and final buzzer. At 勛圖扦, the Sports Information student workers aren���t just supporting the game, they���re shaping the experience, ensuring that every moment on the court or field is one worth remembering.

The post Sports Information Workers Power BU Athletics appeared first on 勛圖扦.