All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

West Virginia Wesleyan College announces sudden departure of president Joel Thierstein

In a brief three-sentence press release, West Virginia Wesleyan College announced the sudden departure of president Dr. Joel Thierstein on Thursday afternoon.

“Dr. James Moore has been named the Interim President of West Virginia Wesleyan College,” the release states. “We are optimistic that Dr. Moore’s leadership, skills, experience, and enthusiasm will enable the college to continue on a path to success for every member of the college’s community. Dr. Moore replaces Dr. Joel Thierstein and the college appreciates Dr. Thierstein’s service.”

Moore did not return a call to comment on the decision, and the college communications office refused to release any additional details on the timing, which came as a surprise — information released as recently as this month gave no indication the president would be leaving.

Thierstein’s biographical information had been removed from the “Meet Our President” section on the college’s website as of Thursday afternoon, and the WVWCPrez accounts on Twitter and Facebook had been deleted.

The abrupt announcement stands in contrast to Wesleyan’s last presidential decision. Thierstein was selected as the president of the college in October 2016 after an extensive search, taking the reins from Dr. Pamela Balch, who had served in the role for 10 years. He was inaugurated as Wesleyan’s 19th president the following year.

Thierstein earned a Ph.D., master of science and bachelor of science from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, as well as a J.D. from Syracuse University, E.I. White College of Law, the college said in a 2017 press release. Before coming to Buckhannon, he held administration positions at Mount St. Joseph University, Kentucky State University, Rice University, Oregon State University and Baylor University, according to the release.

Moore, the interim president, has worked his way through the ranks at the school. He served as Director of Jazz Ensembles from 2006 to 2017, when he was named Dean of the Faculty. He is also the Chief Academic Officer at the school.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Waggy wins 1600 meters for Bucs in final home meet of the year

Senior Jack Waggy won the 1600 meters in 4:32.92 during the Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneers’ final home track meet, where the team earned 56 points to place fifth out of seven teams.

Track and Field Lady Bucs run fifth at home meet

The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs finished fifth out of seven teams at their final home track and field meet of the season, highlighted by third-place finishes from Chloe Lewis and Rylen Carlyle.

B-U tennis teams get swept by Lincoln

The Buckhannon-Upshur boys’ and girls’ tennis teams each lost 5-2 to Lincoln, despite strong performances from Jeremiah Jeffries, Cate O’Neill, and the No. 2 doubles pairs.

Local Rotary club gift equips sheriff’s office, city police with portable defibrillators

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur donated four portable AEDs to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office and Buckhannon Police Department, aiming to improve emergency cardiac response and increase survival rates in the community.

Man arrested during investigation into allegations that he paid for sexual acts with marijuana

Charles Wingfield, 68, was arrested on multiple charges after police allegedly found marijuana and firearms during a search of his residence.

West Virginia Wesleyan inducts 26 new members into Omicron Delta Kappa

West Virginia Wesleyan College inducted 26 students, faculty, and staff into its Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society during its 61st annual ceremony, recognizing academic achievement and campus leadership across diverse disciplines.

Gloria Jean (Powers) Husk

Gloria Jean (Powers) Husk, an author, genealogist, and beloved member of her community, died at age 80 in Carrabelle, FL, and requested her ashes be scattered with her husband’s on Dog Island.

Elmer Karl Cross

Elmer Karl Cross, 94, a retired Mon Power foreman and avid outdoorsman from Peeltree, died April 21, 2025, leaving behind his wife of 75 years, a large family, and a legacy of community involvement.

Rocky Wayne White

Rocky Wayne White, an oil and gas driller known for his laughter and guitar talent, passed away April 23, 2025, survived by children, grandchildren, family, and remembered fondly by those who knew him.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Landon Marple and Becca Pastorius

Landon Marple and Becca Pastorius were named Hank Ellis All-Stars for their outstanding performances in baseball and softball, respectively, leading their Buckhannon-Upshur teams with impressive hitting, pitching, and run production.

Softball Lady Bucs can’t hang on against Class AAAA No. 3 University in 13-5 loss

Despite an early lead and three RBIs from Alyssa Abel, Buckhannon-Upshur fell 13-5 to No. 3 University in six innings, hampered by four errors and a late-game offensive surge by the Hawks.

Baseball Bucs score three in the seventh to down Grafton, 7-4, fall to Morgantown by a 12-2 score

The Buckhannon-Upshur baseball team rallied with three runs in the seventh inning to beat Grafton 7-4 on Monday, but then suffered a 12-2 mercy-rule loss to Morgantown the following day.