It Starts at STATE

Where will your story start?

A local performer with aspirations of the Broadway stage. A former 4-Her now teaching kids the same lessons she learned as a child. An adult learner returning to the classroom after years away from the region. These are just a few of the ongoing journeys that have begun right here at West Virginia State University. With It Starts at STATE we are sharing the journeys of Yellow Jackets of all ages. Current students, graduates, faculty, staff, even young people and senior citizens participating in our Extension Service programs have all started parts of their journey at WVSU. These are their stories. 

Did your own story start at STATE? Want to potentially be featured on this page? Please contact us!

Photo of Bonnie Dunn

It Starts at State – Bonnie Dunn

Bonnie Dunn, Class of 1972WVSU Extension Specialist WVSU Extension Specialist Bonnie Dunn’s journey at STATE dates back to a rather sputtering start as a freshman student more than five decades…

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Photo of Robert Lilly

It Starts at State – Robert Lilly

Robert Lilly, Class of 2019  Robert Lilly’s journey to becoming a comic book author and illustrator began when he was simply a child who loved comic books. Now, at age…

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Photo of Jeremiyah Hairston

It Starts at State – Jeremiyah Hairston

Jeremiyah Hairston’s journey to a bachelor’s degree in political science has taken him from the football field to Capitol Hill. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native’s athletic enthusiasm and passion has served…

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Photo of Jordan Bright

It Starts at State – Jordan Bright

Jordan Bright, WVSU 4-H Volunteer Fourteen-year-old Jordan Bright has long been a part of the WVSU family – literally. Both her parents are STATE graduates, and her father, Doug, has…

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Photo of James Shamblin

It Starts at State – James Shamblin

James Shamblin, Class of 2017 James Shamblin’s career with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra started when he interned with the organization while earning his degree in music education at STATE….

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