President Dr. Steve Peterson began the forum by commending the faculty and staff who formed the proposal for the university’s level change with its accreditor, designed its upcoming doctoral programs, and recruited students for the inaugural cohorts of those programs. Because of their efforts, Bluefield has achieved Level V status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and will launch its Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Education programs this fall.

The forum continued with the introduction of BU’s new Provost, Dr. Jason Craig. In his first address to the faculty, he shared his priorities of being accessible, maintaining open communication, and embracing the university’s community feel. He also emphasized personability and engaging with students.

“Inside each of our students, I think there are particular gifts and abilities that they have,” Dr. Craig shared, “and part of our responsibility as faculty is not to treat them all the same but to try to draw those gifts out.”

Additional reports highlighted the achievements of the online and traditional admissions staff, which allowed the university to serve more than 1,600 unique students in its most recent academic year. Travis Roberts, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing, spoke on the expansion of the traditional admissions staff and the success of the Direct Admit campaign. Additionally, Harrison Rice, Associate Vice President for Online Enrollment, reported that online enrollment in the 2025-26 academic year had grown 30% compared to 2024-25 and 44% compared to 2023-24.

Corey Mullins, Vice President for Student Development & Athletics, shared updates on the renovation of the Dome Gymnasium, the remodels of the Rish Hall and Cruise Hall dormitories, and refreshes to Bluestone Commons apartments. Additionally, he announced the recruitment of a new campus ministry assistant, as well as changes to the residence life staffing structure to improve leadership development opportunities for students. Mullins also discussed upcoming athletic fundraisers like the golf outing and the relaunch of the Rams Club.

Bryan Worrall, Vice President for Advancement, announced that the university’s endowment had grown 7 percent in the past six months, a number that is expected to climb to at least 24 percent as estate gifts are delivered over the next year. This growth immediately unlocked $30,000 in scholarship funding, an amount that will continue to compound.

Dr. Peterson closed the presentations, exhorting everyone to build trust through every interaction and pursue excellence.

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Field of Honor flag display events are happening across the nation in partnership with the Colonial Flag Foundation. Through these events, communities are fundraising for charitable programs that support veterans, first responders, child abuse prevention, food insecurity prevention, scholarships, and other causes. The flag displays also celebrate service and sacrifices throughout American history.

The Lions Club of Bluefield, Virginia, has brought displays to Jack Asbury Square, the Sanders House, and ����԰, totaling over 500 flags, including historical and military flags. The event continues locally through Friday, July 10, and is free to the public. Thanks to several generous sponsors, these patriotic displays benefit the Blessings in a Backpack and the Children’s Clothing & Shoe Assistance charities.

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President’s List
Enrico Alaia
Jessica Aristy
Laken Arnold
Audrey Asbury
Izabella Baldwin
Kendal Barrett
Ashley Barts
Timothy Boyd
Abigail Bradley
Jaden Bradley
Lauren Bragg
Robert Cantrell
Brittney Carter
Dusty Cash
Richard Cisneros
Marissa Copenhaver
Dorian Crabtree
Caroline Crotts
Carmen Davis
Madeline Day
Grace Dean
Chloe Dillow
Melissa Dorman
Kayla Edwards
Bethany Estoll
Ella Geist
Garrett Greenman
Kaedan Gregory
Riley Griffith
Madison Grimes
Zachary Hafer
Shantae Hairston
Sophie Hall
Brock Halsey
Kenidy Harris
Alaina Hayden
Elei Haynes
Rachel Hendrick
Mary Hill
Savannah Holmes
Tisharrah Huber
Jessica Hunnell
Sydney James
Abagail Johnson
Seth Johnson
Graham Johnson
Caleb Johnson
Cameron Justis
Samantha Justus
Kara Kimbrough
Latisha Lawson
Angela Leighton
Joanna Lemus-Rios
LoriAne Lester
Lillian Lewis
Delana Loflin
Sara Martin
Erik McCoy
Ryan McDaniel
Alexis McDuffie
Jeffrey Menefee
Brandi Mitchell
Channing Mooney
Myia Moses
Michelle Murphy
Dylan Nash
Ashlyn Newman
Nakaya Nguyen
Lucy Nicely
Abigail O’Quinn
Sarah Pennington
Mia Peterson
Keith Petry
Gary Pettrey
Jacob Phillips
Tyler Rakes
Keri Rankin
Alondra Reeves
Ethan Richardson
Rebekah Roberts
Ethan Roberts
Gabriela Rosado Crespo
Chesed Russell
Brittany Salters
Isaiah Sanders
Sarah Shelton
Alyssa Shinault
Cara Slavy
Samantha Smith
Keisha Smith
Emily Spaulding
Tanya Sprinkle
Tiffany Stanley
Nicholas Stergiou
Nolan Stines
Christina Taylor
Savannah Taylor
Gage Thompson
Gabriann Tilley
Eledy Torres Jimenez
Chiquita Ukonu
Diego Valenzuela
Sienna Vitelli
Carly Wright

Dean’s List
Mark Anthony Anderson
Olivia Bailey
Janiyah Bailey
Karrie Baker
Cynthia Barker
Kaitlyn Barrett
Paige Bette
Abigail Boehm
Benjamin Bossi Scaglia
Alexia Bostic
Susanna Bowden
Ashana Bowles
Sophia Bradley
Jeronimo Bregel Rodriguez
Olivia Burks
Noah Burtner
John Calhoun
Bruce Chaney
Shaft Clark
Tyler Clark
Koda Counts
Jamye Crawford
Austin Crockett
Sean Delaney
Hunter Elkins
Marissa Fannin
Karter Fortune
Amelia Garrett
Natalie Gates
Gregory Ghoorahoo
Nathaniel Gooden
Brittney Griffey
Jaylynn Harris
Hannah Hayes
Jack Healey
Amanda Hibbard
Joshua Holland
Sydney Hollins
Mackenzie Hood
Taylor Marie Inocelda-Bihag
Christopher Johnson
Brittany Jones
Aryntheia Jones-Quash
Jessica Justus
Hailey Keatley
Allison Kirby
Sebastian Kiser
Abigail Kitchens
Norma Lausch
Logan Lightfoot
Jessica Lineberry
Mason Lloyd
Amber McClanahan
Lashlee McCray
Jillian McDaniel
Karyss Milby
DeAndre Miles
Dylan Miller
Jalen Miller
Jacob Mitchell
Lorena Molina
Kennison Moore
Leauna Morris
Katelyn Norman
Kelly Nye
Stephanie Parks
Hazel Parlett
Jackson Pugh
Brandon Rasnake
Thomas Rice
Savannah Riley
Carter Roberts
Josephine Root
Leo Ruraya
Sarah Rutherford
Kelly Saunders
Morghan Scales
Michael Schott
Andrew Scott
Isabella Smith
Elizabeth Smith
Anna Smith
Benedict Somes
Juan Soto Moreno
Macey Stiltner
Kylee Sturgill
Jaden Taylor
John Thompson
Chessiemae Tindall
Charles Tomlinson
Emma Vickers
Ella Webb
Josie White
Courtney Wilder
Katlynn Williams
LaTasha Wyche
Charli Wynn

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Dr. Grabeel earned an associate degree from Bluefield College in 1955, when the school was a junior college. As a student, he was a member of the “Rambling Reds” basketball team, and in 1981, he was inducted as a charter member of the institution’s Athletics Hall of Fame.

He served on the university’s Board of Trustees for 25 years across three separate tenures between 1981 and 2010, including six years as Board Chair from 2004 to 2010. In recognition of his leadership and commitment to the university, he was named Trustee Emeritus in 2015.

For over 50 years, Dr. Grabeel was the husband of Marjorie Grabeel, a practicing dentist, and a member of First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg. There, he served as a Sunday School teacher, an elder, and a member of the choir. Additionally, he was active in several dental associations and community organizations throughout his life.

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“At ����԰, we are grateful for all who support Christ-centered education and athletics through events like Rise Up Rams,” said Corey Mullins, BU’s Vice President for Student Development & Athletics. “Each sponsorship and team entry helps our students pursue their educational goals, build character and leadership through sports, and prepare for lives of purpose and service.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, including Presenting Sponsor, Lunch Sponsor, Associate Sponsor, Beverage Sponsor, and Hole Sponsor. Sponsorship packages start at $100 and provide valuable marketing exposure while directly supporting ����԰ Athletics.

The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Players of all skill levels are welcome to participate. A four-person team may enter the tournament for $400 and will receive breakfast, lunch, and opportunities to win door prizes, participate in a 50/50 raffle, and compete for cash payouts awarded to the top three finishing teams.

Golfers will also have the chance to compete in several on-course contests, including closest-to-the-pin competitions on all five par-3 holes, longest drive contests for both men and women, and a hole-in-one challenge featuring a grand prize of $10,000.

“Whether someone joins us as a player, sponsor, or supporter, their involvement has a direct impact on student success,” said Jared Porter, BU’s Director of Athletic Business Operations. “We invite the community to be part of a great day at Fincastle Country Club while investing in the lives of current and future Rams.”

Registration information is available at:

For additional information, contact Jared Porter at jporter@bluefield.edu or (276) 326-4239.

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����԰ mourns the loss and celebrates the legacy of Dr. Generoso Duremdes, a champion of rural healthcare and Christ-centered education.

Countless lives have been touched by the service and generosity of Dr. Duremdes and his family. Since 1992, he and his wife, Dr. Jane Duremdes, have sponsored the annual Duremdes Christian Emphasis Week on the ����԰ campus. These are spiritually formative weeks for students, creating more opportunities to hear God’s word, worship, fellowship, pray, and evangelize. Historically, a significant number of students have committed their lives to Christ during this event, with 55 students professing faith in 2025 and as many as 150 professing their faith in 2010.

Mary Duremdes and Dr. Generoso Duremdes pray over the 2025 Duremdes Christian Emphasis Speaker, Markus McFolling.

Dr. Duremdes served on ����԰’s Board of Advisors for eight years, and in 2004, he and his wife were named Honorary Alumni. At BU, the pair has financially supported student missions, scholarship funds, and the construction of the Science Center. They also established the Drs. Generoso “Gene” and Janelle “Jane” Duremdes Endowed Scholarship for residents of Mercer County, West Virginia attending ����԰, first available in 2008.

At Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) in Princeton, West Virginia, Dr. Duremdes served for over five decades as a physician, earning the endearing nickname “Dr. Dad.” His remarkable career included many feats, such as performing the first laparoscopic gallbladder surgery in southern West Virginia, serving as the inaugural cancer liaison physician for the PCH Cancer Committee, and playing an integral role in the hospital’s first accreditation.

A native of the Philippines, Dr. Duremdes helped create opportunities for surgeons there to pursue education, and his family received the Distinguished Philanthropist Award from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in 2021. Dr. Duremdes, along with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law, launched the Duremdes Family Travel Award in 2022, which allowed international physicians to attend the ACS’ Clinical Congress.

����԰ is grateful for the contributions of Dr. Generoso Duremdes, both local and worldwide. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Duremdes family as we reflect on a life well lived.

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From the reopening of Alumni Hall last year to the ongoing transformation of Rish Hall, ����԰ continues to invest in facilities that enhance the student experience and support the institution’s long-term vision for growth.

Now nearing completion, the comprehensive renovation of Rish Hall represents one of the most significant residential upgrades on campus in decades. The project includes a new roof, fully renovated bathrooms, updated walls and finishes, new flooring throughout the facility, and the installation of individual heating and air conditioning units in every residence hall room.

When students arrive for the Fall 2026 semester, they will move into a residence hall that has been completely transformed.

“We are excited about the progress taking place across our campus, and Rish Hall is a visible example of that momentum,” said Kristen Parker, Dean of Students at ����԰. “Our goal is to provide students with an outstanding experience from the moment they arrive on campus. Investments like this demonstrate our commitment to creating living and learning environments that match the quality of the education our students receive.”

The project is being led by Renew Construction, whose crews have worked steadily throughout the year to prepare the residence hall for student occupancy this fall.

“Our team has been proud to partner with ����԰ on this project,” said Jim Corner, owner of Renew Construction. “The transformation inside Rish Hall has been remarkable. From the roof to the flooring and everything in between, nearly every area of the building has been upgraded. We are making excellent progress and look forward to delivering a residence hall that students will enjoy for years to come.”

The renovation of Rish Hall follows the successful completion of Alumni Hall, which reopened last year after an extensive renovation and restoration project. Together, the two projects represent a significant investment in student housing and campus infrastructure.

University leaders say the momentum will continue immediately upon completion of Rish Hall as renovation efforts move to Cruise Hall, further advancing ����԰’s long-term campus renewal strategy.

“What excites me most is that these projects are not isolated improvements,” said Corey Mullins, Vice President for Student Development and Athletics. “They are part of a broader vision for the future of ����԰. We are improving the student experience and creating facilities that will serve generations of Rams.”

Beyond residential facilities, the university is also preparing for the next phase of improvements to the Dome Gymnasium. Planned upgrades include a new roof, renovated restrooms, upgraded bleachers, and additional enhancements that will preserve one of ����԰’s most iconic facilities while improving its functionality for students, athletes, and visitors.

As the Fall 2026 semester approaches, the progress at Rish Hall stands as a visible reminder that ����԰ continues to move forward, investing in its campus, its students, and its future.

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“At Ram Day, we had first talked to each other in the library when we were declaring our major,” Maddie said. “The next stop was to get our student ID photos taken. The machine broke, so we were in line for two hours near each other and talking to each other. When we left, he asked for my number.”

Devan and Maddie began dating on June 15, 2017. After sharing four years as ����԰ students and members of the Rams Track & Field team, they got engaged on February 5, 2022, and will tie the knot on June 13, 2026.

A photo of Maddie Thompson and Devan Reeves at a Track and Field meet.

Devan earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2020, concentrating in Management. In addition to competing in Track & Field, he was a member of the Men’s Golf team. In 2021, he completed a Master of Business Administration at BU, and he now serves as the Manager/Site Liaison for Lifepoint Business Solutions.

Maddie earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2021, concentrating in Pre-Health. “Dr. Lambert did have a major influence on me and the trajectory of my career,” she shared.

Maddie also received the Marvin G. Williams Award for the Outstanding Biology Graduate for 2020-2021. She began teaching at Graham High School in the fall of 2021, securing a full-time position in 2022.

Now having completed their degrees and started their careers, Devan and Maddie are getting married just before their ninth anniversary. After the ceremony, they will celebrate their relationship where it first began.

“We met at BU, so it felt like a special place to have our reception,” Maddie explained.

The post From Freshman Year to Forever: The Story of ����԰ Alumni Devan Reeves and Maddie Thompson appeared first on ����԰.

The approval from the Commission on Colleges and Universities moves ����԰ to Level V status and authorizes the university to offer its first doctoral degree programs: the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

The change marks a new stage for the university, which was founded in 1922 and has served generations of students through undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With the approval, Bluefield joins a select group of institutions authorized to offer doctoral education, expanding its role in preparing leaders for schools, businesses, organizations, and communities.

“This approval represents a historic milestone in the life of ����԰,” said Dr. Steve Peterson, President of ����԰. “Achieving a higher level of accreditation and launching our first doctoral programs reflects the strength of our faculty, the dedication of our staff, and our unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The Doctor of Education and Doctor of Business Administration will expand opportunities for students while strengthening our ability to serve the workforce and communities of Appalachia and beyond. ����԰ continues to build momentum as we fulfill our mission of developing Christ-centered servant leaders prepared to make a lasting impact in the world.”

The newly approved Doctor of Education program will be housed within the School of Education and Social Sciences. It is designed to prepare educational leaders and professionals who seek to advance innovation and excellence in education and organizational leadership.

“The approval of the Doctor of Education marks a transformative moment for ����԰ and for the communities we serve,” said Dr. Shellie Brown, Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences. “The Ed.D. is designed to develop impactful, innovative leaders who are prepared to address the challenges facing schools, organizations, and communities. This program reflects ����԰’s commitment to advancing educational excellence while equipping professionals to lead with both expertise and purpose.”

The Doctor of Business Administration will be offered through the Caudill School of Business and will focus on developing executive leaders capable of addressing complex organizational challenges through research, strategic thinking, and applied practice.

“The approval of the Doctor of Business Administration represents an exciting opportunity for working professionals seeking to elevate their leadership and organizational impact,” said Dr. Angela Cline, Dean of the Caudill School of Business. “I am beyond thrilled for our students and our community to have this opportunity here locally. The DBA combines advanced business theory with practical application, enabling executives and industry leaders alike to solve real-world challenges while contributing meaningful research to their fields. We are proud to offer a doctoral program that aligns with the needs of today’s dynamic business environment. It’s definitely an exciting day at BU!”

The approval comes during a period of significant growth and momentum for ����԰. Over the past several years, the institution has expanded its academic offerings, strengthened partnerships with industry and healthcare organizations, increased enrollment, and broadened access through innovative online and graduate education initiatives.

The addition of doctoral programs reflects ����԰’s strategic commitment to meeting workforce needs, supporting economic development, and providing pathways for lifelong learning. Both programs are expected to attract students from across Virginia, the Appalachian region, and beyond, while reinforcing the university’s mission to prepare graduates for lives of service, leadership, and professional excellence.

Founded in 1922, ����԰ is a Christ-centered institution committed to providing students with a transformational educational experience grounded in academic excellence and biblical values. With the approval of its first doctoral programs, the university enters a new chapter in its history, expanding its impact while remaining faithful to its mission of educating servant leaders who transform the world.

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The university has grown beyond last year’s record and now serves more than 1,600 unique students during the 2025-26 academic year, driven by gains in online education, dual enrollment, graduate health sciences, and traditional undergraduate programs.

The increase marks another step in the university’s continued expansion as Bluefield works to reach more students through flexible academic programs, regional partnerships, and career-focused pathways.

“Our mission has always been to meet students where they are and help them achieve their educational goals,” said Dr. Steve Peterson, President of ����԰. “Whether that is a traditional residential student, a working adult seeking to complete a degree, a high school student earning college credit through dual enrollment, or a graduate student preparing for a healthcare career, we are seeing more students choose ����԰ because of the opportunities we provide.”

One of the university’s strongest areas of growth continues to be online education. Designed to serve working adults and non-traditional students, Bluefield’s online programs have experienced substantial enrollment growth, particularly in business and education programs.

“Today’s adult students need flexibility without sacrificing quality,” said Harrison Rice, Bluefield’s AVP for Online Enrollment and Admissions. “Our online programs enable students to earn their degree and pursue new opportunities while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. The growth we are experiencing reflects the demand for accessible, high-quality Christian higher education.”

The university has also seen continued expansion of its dual-enrollment partnerships, providing high school students with opportunities to begin earning college credit while completing their secondary education. These programs not only help students accelerate their academic journey but also strengthen relationships between ����԰ and communities throughout the region.

While maintaining enrollment stability in a challenging national higher-education environment, the university has also seen improvements in the academic profile and preparedness of incoming traditional students.

“We are encouraged not only by the number of students enrolling at ����԰ but by the quality of students who are choosing us,” said Travis Roberts, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing. “We are attracting students who are academically prepared, highly engaged, and committed to making the most of their college experience.”

Another area of continued success is the university’s partnership with Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). Bluefield’s graduate health sciences programs, delivered in partnership with VCOM, continue to experience strong enrollment demand and prepare graduates to meet critical workforce needs in healthcare and related fields.

The university’s enrollment growth reflects a broader strategic vision focused on academic innovation, student success, workforce development, and the expansion of access to higher education.

As ����԰ looks toward the future, university leaders remain focused on building on this momentum through new academic offerings, expanded partnerships, and continued investment in student success initiatives.

“We are seeing the results of a university moving forward with purpose,” President Peterson said. “The momentum we are experiencing is not the result of any single program or initiative. It is the collective effort of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters who believe in ����԰’s mission. We are excited about where we are today and even more excited about where we are headed.”

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