Alderson Broaddus University Story Archives - Page 2 of 3

June 15, 1960: Educator W.W. Trent Dies

Educator W. W. Trent died on June 15, 1960, at age 82. Having served as state superintendent of schools for nearly a quarter-century, Trent was known to legions of West Virginia schoolchildren for his scrawled signature on their report cards.

The Nicholas County native went to Marshall State Normal School (now Marshall University) and Columbia University before rising through the teaching ranks to become secretary of the West Virginia Education Association, editor of the influential West Virginia School Journal, and president of Broaddus College and Alderson-Broaddus College for six years.

After becoming state superintendent in 1933, Trent implemented the new county unit system in public schools. An outspoken defender of teacher interests, he fought off several attempts to check his powers and played a key role in the racial integration of West Virginia schools.

He was also a formidable Democratic politician. He won reelection to superintendent five times and, on several instances, garnered more votes than his party’s candidate for governor. His long political career came to an end after Dwight Eisenhower and the Republicans swept the state in the 1956 election.

Alderson Broaddus sophomore takes a look at history of WQAB

West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s latest addition to its network of radio transmitters has a long history of serving North Central West Virginia. Alderson Broaddus University student reporter Lauren McMillen, a sophomore mass communications major from Pittsburgh, tells the story of WQAB, 91.3 FM.

Alderson Broaddus University Names Interim President

The interim president of Elmira College in New York is assuming the same position at Alderson Broaddus University.

The governing board of the university in Philippi announced Wednesday that James “Tim” Barry will assume his new duties Dec. 22 after wrapping up his Elmira assignment. He will serve a minimum of one year.

Richard Creehan announced in October that he is stepping down as president, effective Dec. 18.

Barry has 44 years of experience in higher education administration.

Alderson Broaddus Plans Memorial for Former Leader

Alderson Broaddus University says it will hold a service in memory of former President Richard Shearer this weekend.

The “Service of Remembrance” is set for 7 p.m. Saturday in Wilcox Campus on the university’s campus in Philippi.

Shearer died on Oct. 6 at his home in Philippi. He was 95.

Shearer served as Alderson-Broaddus’ president from 1951 until he retired in 1983. He was inducted into the Alderson-Broaddus Battler Hall of Fame in April along with his son, Richard Shearer, Jr.

Alderson-Broaddus Defaults on Bond Repayments

A bank official in Philippi says Alderson Broaddus University has defaulted on repayment of bonds totaling more than $36 million.

BCBank president and CEO Jeffrey Goff told The Exponent Telegram that the university failed to make required payments after either the second quarter or the third quarter.

Alderson Broaddus spokeswoman Ashley Mittelmeier told the newspaper that the private university is having financial difficulties. She says the school missed the payments as it worked with bond holders to restructure some terms.

Mittelmeier says Alderson Broaddus President Richard Creehan and the school’s board were aware of the situation.

Creehan announced last week that he will resign, effective Dec. 18. He said it was time to “hand over the reins to someone with a different perspective and skill set.”

Alderson Broaddus Female Athletes Say They Were Secretly Photographed

Four women at a private West Virginia university say their former assistant basketball coach secretly photographed them nude.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports the women have filed separate lawsuits in Barbour County Circuit Court against Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi and Collins Murphy.

They say Murphy was the resident director at their dorm, giving him access to restrooms. The lawsuits state they found a camera last year after one of the women was forwarded a nude photograph of herself.

The lawsuit claims invasion of privacy, among other things.

The newspaper said Murphy could not be reached for comment. Alderson Broaddus officials did not immediately respond Saturday to a phone message or email from The Associated Press.