Two West Virginia State University (WVSU) administrators were honored for their leadership and global impact at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Beta Beta Omega Chapter’s 85th anniversary celebration held in Charleston, West Virginia, June 1.
WVSU Vice President for Research and Public Service Dr. Orlando F. McMeans received the Global Impact Award in Research and Public Service, and Dr. Paige Carney, dean of the WVSU College of Professional Studies, received the Global Impact Award in Service to the Community.
In his role, McMeans is responsible for promoting and advancing research and public service activities and initiatives, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for West Virginia’s citizens. McMeans oversees the University’s outreach, extension and research branches, which serve 20,000 people in 40 counties annually; has brought in more than $17 million in research funding relating to biotechnology, plant, microbial and water quality endeavors; and has had an economic impact of $254 million for the state of West Virginia.
“I am so honored to be recognized by the women of the Beta Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,” McMeans said. “Such a recognition from an illustrious, international organization means the world to me.”
Under Carney’s leadership, WVSU’s College of Professional Studies has continually expanded with new academic degree programs and outreach opportunities. WVSU’s Criminal Justice Department has introduced new undergraduate program options and added a fully online master’s program, while the Sports Studies Department recently completed its first year of a graduate program.
“It was an honor and a pleasure to accept the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Beta Beta Omega Chapter Global Impact Community Service Award,” Carney said. “Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing experiential learning opportunities for our students that focus on excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and creative endeavors. These real-life experiences are an integral part of students’ academic degree pathways and help prepare them to develop community connections where they will serve and lead.”
Outreach efforts, like the WVSU Healthy Grandfamilies program – a joint effort between the Department of Social Work and WVSU Extension Service – will soon bring much-needed education and resources to citizens in all 55 counties of the state.
WVSU Board of Governors Member Katherine L. Dooley, Esq., of the Dooley Law Firm was also honored with the Global Impact Award in Human and Civil Rights for her work with the Charleston Branch of the NAACP.
Themed “A Celebration of Global Impact,” the event celebrated the 85th anniversary of the charter of the Beta Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., which was chartered on April 21, 1934, in Charleston.
Originally from Matt Browning for West Virginia State University News.