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

WVU Humanities Center awarded major grant to enhance ‘Quality of Life’ speaker series

WVU
Writer-in-Residence Ann Pancake was a fall presenter during the WVU Humanities Center Quality of Life Speaker Series.

The WVU Humanities Center has been awarded a grant from the West Virginia Humanities Council to support its 2018-2019 Quality of Life Speaker Series.

“We are fortunate to have an active Humanities Council dedicated to supporting the humanities practitioners in our communities,” said Provost Joyce McConnell. “I’m delighted that the Council has recognized the important contribution that our Humanities Center is making to improving the quality of life in the state and moving West Virginia forward.”

The Center’s 2018-2019 theme of “Quality of Life” explores how humanistic investigation into thought, history and culture improves the way we live our lives day to day. The series connects scholarly voices to public audiences, unpacking how thoughtful reflection, cultural practice and human narratives can impact economic indicators, technological developments and medical innovations – all of which have tangible and lasting effects on our world and our ways of living in it.

Fall 2018 lectures in the series have included Campus Read author Emily St. John Mandel and writer-in-residence Ann Pancake, as well as other nationally recognized scholars from across the country. Upcoming talks for the spring 2019 semester will address the effects of storytelling in palliative medical care, the changing shape of rural Appalachian identities and accessing the human experience of place within our global context.

The WVHC’s Major Grant program supports larger humanities projects such as lectures, symposia, panel discussions, exhibits, reenactments and conferences. Previously funded projects include the Ohio River Festival of Books, events at the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown and archeology digs in Wood and Greenbrier counties.

“The West Virginia Humanities Council has supported public access to humanities work for more than four decades and we are thrilled that from the outset of our Center’s work, we are able to link in directly into that mission,” said Humanities Center Director Ryan Claycomb.

The WVU Humanities Center was created in August 2017 by the Office of the Provost to foster a rich humanities community on campus and promote better modes for scholars to communicate with one another and our broader community.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Small Business Development Center names Lyla Grandstaff as new coach serving the Buckhannon area

The West Virginia Small Business Development Center has appointed Lyla Grandstaff, an experienced business consultant and educator, as the new business coach serving Buckhannon and surrounding counties.

Upshur Parish House kicks off annual backpack program to support local students

The Upshur Parish House has launched its annual Back-to-School Backpack Program, seeking donations of new school supplies and hygiene items to help local students return to class prepared and confident.

Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur sets ambitious goals for growth and outreach

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur unveiled an ambitious multi-year plan to grow club membership, boost outreach through digital and in-person initiatives, expand fundraising, and increase community involvement and accessibility.

Charles Wilson “Chuck” Canfield

Charles Wilson “Chuck” Canfield, beloved husband, father, and grandfather known for his kindness and humor, passed peacefully at home on April 5, 2025, leaving behind a devoted family and many friends.

Ella Margaret Moore

Ella Margaret Moore, a devoted Christian and active member of Reger United Methodist Church who leaves behind a large, loving family, passed away peacefully at age 91 in Buckhannon.

Post 7 to host recognize veterans Monday during Jr. Legion game, Sr. league team opens Area 2 Tournament on Tuesday

Buckhannon Post 7 will honor veterans during the Junior Legion team’s final home game Monday before the Senior League team begins Area 2 Tournament play Tuesday, following a challenging regular season.

Buckhannon City Council weighs options for spending $351,000 carryover

Buckhannon City Council will hold a special meeting July 15 to discuss how to allocate $351,000 of a $1.1 million budget carryover.

Buckhannon Sanitary Board Agenda: July 17, 2025

The Buckhannon Sanitary Board has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting on July 17, 2025.
Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.