West Liberty University Foundation received a gift of $25,000 from American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation today that will strengthen STEM education for its students.
“We are extremely grateful for this generous gift and know it will allow our students to experience even more research opportunities that will translate into brighter futures and better jobs,” said Dr. Stephen Greiner, WLU president.
WLU currently supports active research labs in its biology, chemistry and health sciences programs. STEM education is seen as a priority in the Mountain State and includes science, technology, engineering and math.
“We are happy to support the West Liberty University Foundation with this gift to the STEM program. The AEP Foundation strives to improve the quality of life for people in our communities where AEP and its operating units serve and where AEP employees live and work,” said Philip Wright, vice president of AEP distribution operations.
Everything from furnishings to technology are needed to improve the STEM lab experience for students, according to WLU Foundation Executive Director Angela Zambito-Hill.
“This project advances the College of Sciences greatly and will serve so many of our students. I thank AEP Foundation for its philanthropy and foresight in supporting higher education in our region,” Zambito-Hill said.
The College of Sciences includes the departments of health sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, physician assistant studies, MA/MS in biology and zoo science. Classes meet both in Campbell Hall of Health Sciences and in Arnett Hall of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
“We are currently working to design the space, and we are very grateful for this funding from AEP. This lab will serve more than 200 students per semester in various courses such as anatomy and physiology and histology,” said Dr. Karen Kettler, a professor biology and current interim dean of the College of Sciences.
