Building Futures Through Service: WVU Tech and the West Virginia Army National Guard

In this episode of Our Communiversity Today, host Dr. T. Ramon Stuart, president of West Virginia University Institute of Technology, sits down with Sergeant First Class Hannah Wheeler and Staff Sergeant Aaron Walker of the West Virginia Army National Guard. Together, they explore how the Guard’s mission extends beyond protecting the nation, helping young people access education, build meaningful careers, and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime. From personal stories of transformation to the practical benefits of service, this conversation highlights the real-world impact of the Guard across southern West Virginia.

Hannah and Aaron share their own journeys, both shaped by the Guard’s educational opportunities and sense of purpose. They discuss the flexibility of part-time and full-time service, the financial and academic support available to students, and how recruiting efforts on campuses like WVU Tech are opening doors for those who might not otherwise afford college. Their stories reveal how military service can provide a hand up rather than a handout, helping individuals redirect their paths, gain discipline, and give back to their communities.

Dr. Stuart connects these insights to WVU Tech’s broader mission: to strengthen the bond between the campus and the community. Through partnerships with organizations like the Army National Guard, WVU Tech is helping students achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.