A Heart for Bluefield: Wayne Pelts
Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Malique Gordon.
Wayne Pelts never liked history.
“All we did was define terms and answer questions and take quizzes,” he said.
As an English major at Bluefield State University, Pelts prayed he’d never have to take social studies. But a world history class changed his mind. After graduation, Pelts started teaching high school history.
“What is history? It’s characters. It’s theme. It’s setting. It’s conflict,” Pelts said. “So I started teaching history as a story and focusing on the best stories. And so then I fell in love with history.”
After teaching high school history for 37 years, Pelts joined Bluefield University as assistant director of the Academic Center for Excellence and Careers (ACEC), formerly known as ACE.
“I loved teaching high school,” Pelts said, “but I think sometimes the Lord just allows us to realize it’s time for a new chapter of life.”
Now in his 10th year at Bluefield University, Pelts works with student tutors. He provides individual academic coaching, proctors exams, and works with students to accommodate documented disabilities at a college level.
“My position here, it’s like it was written just for me, because I still get to be involved day-to-day with students,” Pelts said. “I teach one course. I love being part of the college community.”
Savannah Holmes, a senior at Bluefield University and an ACEC tutor, described Pelts as “super encouraging and intentional.”
“He is all about asking you specific questions and learning about who you are as a person,” Holmes continued. “If I have a requirement and I need to reschedule things or move tutoring hours around, he’s really easy to work with.”
Rilla Cooper, director of student success, joined the BU staff in June.
“From the moment I first met him, I felt like he was a kindred spirit in a way,” Cooper said. “He just was so welcoming and so gracious, not just to Bluefield University but to the town itself.”
Pelts has lived in Bluefield, West Virginia, all his life. He recently volunteered as a trolley tour guide through historic South Bluefield, sharing stories about architecture and the original families.
Cooper described Pelts as “probably one of the most caring people that I’ve ever met. He just is very genuine with his interest for students. He loves very, very deeply which I think shows how much he loves the Lord and how God works through him.”
Pelts’ love for God and people shines through his work. Even as he encourages students to try their hardest, Pelts doesn’t focus on grades.
“God’s love for us has nothing to do with our GPA,” Pelts said. “It doesn’t. His love for us is unconditional.”
Besides teaching history, Pelts worked as a wedding photographer for 30 years. His experience designing wedding albums later helped him create four books.
“My books aren’t about me. They’re about other people,” Pelts noted.
One of his books, Bluefield Details, celebrates his hometown by combining detailed photos with heartfelt reflections from Bluefield lovers.
“I love this area,” Pelts said. “I love the people. I love the mountains. I love that God is doing good things here.”
Pelts attends every BU Theater production. This spring, he joined the Bluefield University Masterworks Chorale.
He describes working at Bluefield University as a ministry. He says that whatever you need help with, there’s probably someone at Bluefield University who knows how to do it and would be very willing to help.
“When you work at a place that’s based on faith, it’s not perfect. It can’t be, this side of eternity,” Pelts said. “Yet when people are living out their faith, there’s a joy in being involved with that.”
“We’re all in this together,” Pelts continued. “And because of our faith, we’re not trying to outdo each other, and we’re all happy when somebody succeeds. And we’re sad when somebody fails.”
Burma McChesney, director of academic services, has known Pelts for 20 years. She described him as “fun and always ready for adventures,” adding that she is “very thankful for Mr. Pelts and all that he brings to Bluefield University. He’s definitely an asset.”
Cooper noted that Pelts “has a thumb on the heartbeat of the university. He knows its history, he knows its strengths, he knows its weaknesses, he knows how it connects to the town.”
In his spare time, Pelts enjoys visiting his four children and six grandkids. He continues to encourage students to live up to their potential that God may be glorified through them.
“If we’re truly living our stories for someone greater than ourselves, our stories matter,” Pelts said.