About
History
Wheeling University, originally named Wheeling College, was founded in 1954 as West Virginia’s only Catholic institution of higher education. Its mission is centered on spiritual enlightenment and service, guided by the principles of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
The idea for a Catholic college in the area dates back to the late 1800s, but it was revived in 1951 by Archbishop John J. Swint. He proposed funding the land and construction if the Jesuits would operate the college. A year later, the plan was approved, the land was acquired, and construction began in 1954. The university was officially incorporated on September 25, 1954, and Reverend Lawrence McHugh, S.J., was named its first president the next day.
On September 26, 1955, the university opened its doors with 12 Jesuit priests, 4 lay professors, and an initial class of 90 students. Since then, it has grown significantly, now boasting over 100 faculty and staff, with a freshman class averaging around 250 students each year. The original buildings remain, but the campus has expanded with new academic, athletic, and residential facilities.
The university has diversified its academic offerings to more than 12 undergraduate and 6 graduate degrees. Athletically, the initial two basketball teams have grown to over 20 NCAA Division II intercollegiate teams, known as the Cardinals.
Education at Wheeling goes beyond the classroom, fostering research with faculty and service-learning within the community. The university’s more than 11,000 alumni have made an impact in various fields, demonstrating the mission to be leaders in their communities.
The campus has hosted numerous cultural and political events, including visits from former President Ronald Reagan and artists like Dizzy Gillespie. The university is also the main organizer of the city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.
Presidents
1. Rev. Lawrence R. McHugh, S.J. (1954-1959)
2. Rev. William F. Troy, S.J. (1959-1966)
3. Rev. Frank R. Haig S.J., Ph.D. (1966-1972)
4. Rev. Charles L. Currie Jr., S.J., Ph.D. (1972-1982)
5. Rev. Thomas S. Acker, S.J., Ph.D. (1982-2000)
6. Rev. George F. Lundy, S.J., Ph.D. (2000-2003)
An expert in educational administration, he focused on social issues. He is recognized for his work at Loyola’s Death Penalty Resource Center and his advocacy against the death penalty.
7. Rev. Joseph R. Hacala, S.J. (2003-2006)
A Jesuit originally from West Virginia, he founded the Appalachian Institute, with a strong focus on community service and experiential learning.
8. Rev. Julio Giulietti, S.J., Ph.D. (2007-2009)
He focused on the internationalization of the university, creating agreements so that students from other countries could benefit from its programs, especially those in health sciences.
9. Richard Allen Beyer (2011-2013)
He was the first non-Jesuit president. Despite his brief tenure, he achieved record enrollment growth and the creation of new academic programs in key areas such as the arts and engineering.
10. Rev. James J. Fleming, S.J., Ph.D. (2013-2017)
As a Jesuit educator, he dedicated himself to academic research and service to the poor. He assumed the presidency after serving as the university’s executive vice president.
11. Dr. Debra Townsley (2017-2018)
He brought his extensive experience in higher education, having presided over other prestigious institutions such as Williams Peach University and Nichols College.
12. Dr. Michael P. Mihalyo, Jr. (2018-2019)
With an extensive background in academic administration, he had strong family ties to the university, as his relatives are alumni and members of the Athletic Hall of Fame.
13. Ginny R. Favede (2019-2024)
Her leadership has been highlighted by her successful career in public service. She focused on growth, innovation, and defending the rights of women, children, and veterans.
Local Business Partnerships
Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheetmetal
53 14th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
With its corporate office in downtown Wheeling, Kalkreuth also has offices in Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Interns can expect a wide exposure to the industry, including construction industry processes and inter-relationships, Kalkreuth-specific management and accounting functions, and other industry-related activities. Business majors and Construction certificate students will gain a great deal of knowledge and practical experience in this environment.
Tecnocap LLC
“At Wheeling University, we found a fertile ground founded on rigorous technical programs with attention to the person who isn’t treated simply as a student ID number. Considering all the dimensions of the person, whether friend, colleague or student, is of extreme importance.”
– Paolo Ghigo, Tecnocap LLC President –
Employment
Benefits of working at Wheeling University
- Student-focused environment with meaningful and rewarding work that on personal and professional growth
- A culture that values diversity, fosters an energized team environment, builds on our strengths, promotes creativity and innovation, and encourages inclusiveness, respect, and open communication
- Paid time off
- A generous holiday schedule (more family time!)
- 100% vested after two years of full-time employment (upon university contribution) for the Wheeling University 403b.
- Great group health benefits (medical, dental, vision, FSA)
- 100% employer paid life insurance!
- 100% employer paid short term and long term disability coverage!
- Tuition remission
- University sponsored Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- University sponsored retirement/investment advisors
Equal Opportunity
Our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
Career Opportunties
Learn More
Graduate Assistantships
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Wheeling University is about leadership, service, and an education that will last a lifetime.
Mission
Life | The Catholic traditions of educational excellence and service to others guide all of the programs at Wheeling University. By integrating learning, research and economic development with classical knowledge and Christian revelation, the University seeks to foster competence, creativity and innovation throughout and beyond the campus community. Graduates of the University enter the world of work with socially responsible goals, a life long appetite for learning and the desire to make our universe a better place.
Leadership | To model the Catholic concern for regional and global neighbors, the University welcomes people of all creeds, races and nationalities to share in the intelligent pursuit of excellence. The University promotes close student-faculty contacts and encourages students to develop their full potential for leadership. Through a grounding in the liberal arts and, above all, example of Jesus Christ, the University endeavors to produce intelligent, moral leaders who will champion the Catholic values of faith, peace and justice. Wheeling University envisions a dynamic leadership role for the University in the lives of its students and in the world at large.
Service With and Among Others | In its faculty and students, its research and outreach, the University is national and international. Yet as the only Catholic institution of higher learning in West Virginia, Wheeling University also values its distinctive mission to the immediate area, educating local men and women and returning them to enrich their own communities. Wheeling University firmly believes its graduates will enter the professional world prepared to use their God-given talents not solely for personal fulfillment but as men and women in service to others.
Wheeling University is about leadership, service, and an education that will last a lifetime.
Mission
Life | The Catholic traditions of educational excellence and service to others guide all of the programs at Wheeling University. By integrating learning, research and economic development with classical knowledge and Christian revelation, the University seeks to foster competence, creativity and innovation throughout and beyond the campus community. Graduates of the University enter the world of work with socially responsible goals, a life long appetite for learning and the desire to make our universe a better place.
Leadership | To model the Catholic concern for regional and global neighbors, the University welcomes people of all creeds, races and nationalities to share in the intelligent pursuit of excellence. The University promotes close student-faculty contacts and encourages students to develop their full potential for leadership. Through a grounding in the liberal arts and, above all, example of Jesus Christ, the University endeavors to produce intelligent, moral leaders who will champion the Catholic values of faith, peace and justice. Wheeling University envisions a dynamic leadership role for the University in the lives of its students and in the world at large.
Service With and Among Others | In its faculty and students, its research and outreach, the University is national and international. Yet as the only Catholic institution of higher learning in West Virginia, Wheeling University also values its distinctive mission to the immediate area, educating local men and women and returning them to enrich their own communities. Wheeling University firmly believes its graduates will enter the professional world prepared to use their God-given talents not solely for personal fulfillment but as men and women in service to others.
What if I am not Catholic?
Wheeling University welcomes students from all walks of life, faiths and religious backgrounds. As a Catholic University, we advocate for a holistic development; which intrinsically includes one’s personal religious and spiritual growth. We promote the practice of faith in our students, faculty and staff while holding fast to the principles of religious freedom; encouraging individuals and groups to practice as they choose.
You do not need to be Catholic to participate in any of our campus ministry programs. By participating in retreats, small prayer communities, community-service opportunities, and service-immersion trips, we all learn about other faith traditions and spiritual journeys. Our campus ministry staff wishes to help students grow into persons of faith regardless of denomination during their formative college years.
Look at our Other Places to Worship page for a list of local faith communities in the Wheeling area. If you need help, we would love to help you find one that fits your needs.