"In higher education, we often think of years in terms of the academic calendar, which begins and ends in the warmer months. December, however, is the perfect time to reflect on the past 12 months and remember our challenges and successes alike.
"Some of 2025’s biggest moments in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics are gathered here, ranging from academic improvements to sweeping service projects. They’re emblematic of many things: the hard work of our students, the diligence of our faculty and staff, and the achievements of our alumni. More than that, they’re emblematic of the fulfillment of our land-grant mission.
"Here’s to 2025 – and while I’m at it, here’s to 2026. I can’t wait to see what next year brings."
- Joshua Hall, Milan Puskar Dean of the Chambers College
#1: Chambers College gains re-accreditation from AACSB
In July, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business extended the Chambers College's accreditation for six more years. The AACSB sets the standard for business colleges around the world, and our membership with them is proof that we stand toe-to-toe with the very best.
“We are proud to be in the 2% of business schools worldwide that have AACSB Accreditation in Business and Accounting. Our re-accreditation is confirmation by our peers that we provide our students with a great education consistent with our mission.” - Josh Hall, Milan Puskar Dean of the Chambers College
#2: Chambers career placement hits all-time high
In June 2025, the post-graduation placement rate for our undergraduate students reached 78.1% – an all-time high – following 10 consecutive years of growth.
“We have amazing faculty who are integrating professional development into the academic experience. For Chambers College students, it doesn’t feel like an add-on activity. It’s central to what it means to be a business student today.”- Sarah Glenn, Director of the Center for Career Development
Check out our 2025 job placement recap.
#3: Retention initiatives help students stay in school
Rebounding from academic hardship is easier than ever thanks to a full host of retention programs and scholarships designed to help students improve their grades. In spring 2025, a review of our retention initiatives found that students who took advantage of academic notice programs boosted their GPAs by an average of 0.75 and were able to stay in school.
“The fact that Chambers offered that much help for me to be able to bounce back from academic notice in one semester is incredible. They just made it so easy.” - Bodie Allen, Chambers College student
Learn more about how we're helping students overcome academic challenges.
#4: Vantage Ventures elevates WV entrepreneurship
Vantage Ventures, our entrepreneurship and innovation center, is turning the Mountain State into a regional startup engine. WV residents and students who have partnered with Vantage have seen massive successes ranging from six-figure investments to deals with professional sports teams.
“Startup accelerator models at other universities will invest in alumni no matter where they live. We don’t do that. We'll only give you money if you’re going to make jobs here, in this state. We want our startup community to just keep growing.” - Ryan Angus, Director of Vantage Ventures
Read our magazine profile on Vantage Ventures.
#5: Cybersecurity meets the Mountain State
West Virginia is serious about cybersecurity – and to prove it, West Virginia University hosted the Mountain State Cyber Summit in fall 2025. Leaders from many different industries and backgrounds assembled in Morgantown to strengthen their skills, network, and gain invaluable insights into what's next for cybersecurity.
“We know cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but resilience is something every community and organization in West Virginia can build. We are working alongside West Virginians to build stronger systems today while training the next generation of professionals who will keep our state secure for years to come.” - Chris Ramezan, Executive Director of the Cyber-Resilience Resource Center
See how the MSCS brought West Virginia's cyber pros together.
#6: Frank DeMarco tours Reynolds Hall
Not all business is serious. Earlier this year, Hospitality Professor Frank DeMarco took our Instagram audience on a video tour of Reynolds Hall. Thanks to his in-depth knowledge of how to communicate with students, it quickly became most successful social media post of all time.
"Trying to get that W and land an internship? Come see your besties at the CCD. They will help you enter your employed era." - Frank DeMarco, Director of the Hardy Family Hospitality and Tourism Management Program
Watch Professor DeMarco's lesson on how to speak to modern audiences.
Those stories are just the beginning. Here are some of our other highlights from 2025:
Student success:
Faculty recognition:
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Data Driven Director Josh Meadows and CRRC Director of Operations and Outreach Frank Hatten honored for distinguished service and community engagement
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Associate Professor Bernie Quiroga honored for work on hospital stroke treatment and supply chain transparency research
Alumni success:
That wraps up 2025! We’re looking forward to another year of success stories – and if we’re lucky, maybe another tour of Reynolds Hall by Professor DeMarco.
-WVU-
AM 12/1/25
MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrew Marvin
Senior Communications Specialist
John Chambers College of Business and Economics
andrew.marvin@mail.wvu.edu
