Uniting Southern West Virginia: Dr. Stuart with United Way’s Trena Decal

Welcome to Our Communiversity Today, a community affairs program from WVU Tech in Beckley, West Virginia, hosted by Dr. T. Ramon Stuart, president of WVU Tech. Sponsored by Pendleton Community Bank and Cucumber and Company, the program highlights conversations that make a difference in Southern West Virginia. Each episode explores how education, community organizations, and local leaders come together to build stronger connections and provide opportunities for growth.

In this episode, Dr. Stuart sits down with Trena Decal, Executive Director of the United Way of Southern West Virginia. Together, they explore the vital role the United Way plays in uniting communities and meeting urgent needs across the region. From food assistance and child advocacy to home-delivered meals and the 211 resource hotline, the United Way provides a lifeline for thousands of families each year. Trena shares her journey from volunteer to director, along with the heart and vision that keep her dedicated to serving others.

The conversation also shines a light on major community initiatives like Wonderland of Trees, Dancing with the Stars, and other fundraisers that not only bring people together but also generate critical support for local agencies. These efforts allow the United Way to reinvest hundreds of thousands of dollars annually into programs that support health, education, and financial stability. Stories of resilience, such as helping a senior secure life-saving prescriptions or assisting a single mother in keeping utilities on for her family, show how the United Way creates hope when it is needed most.

As WVU Tech celebrates 130 years of Golden Bear Pride, Our Communiversity Today continues to highlight the partnerships that strengthen Southern West Virginia. From celebrating milestones on campus to supporting organizations like the United Way, this program reminds us that working together can make a way out of no way. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of service, community impact, and the importance of asking the simple but powerful questions: Why not us? Why not now?