Employee Features

After almost four years of service to Bluefield University, Provost Michael Salmeier is bidding farewell to BU.

Bluefield University has added a new staff member to its student development team, but she’s no stranger to BU. A former volleyball player for the Rams, alumna Joslynn Evans graduated last year and returned to serve as the director of student activities.

Although she worked as a school librarian for a couple of years, Paula Beasley prefers working with college students. 

“You guys are a little bit more interested in education as opposed to just running through and grabbing all the picture books,” Beasley said.

At Bluefield University, safety about more than patrols and rules. It is about teamwork, trust, and leadership. Campus security starts with its supervisor, Gary Ruth, who has dedicated decades to keeping students and staff safe.

Get to know Bluefield University’s veteran athletic trainer, Josh Shroyer. With years of experience and dedication, Shroyer plays a vital role in keeping student-athletes healthy and game ready. Discover what it truly takes to be an athletic trainer and why for Shroyer it is more than just a job — it’s a passion for helping […]

Photos provided by Rampage student photographer Rachel Hendrick. Two teams, one coach. That is the challenge facing veteran coach Kevin John as he now leads both the men’s and women’s volleyball programs at Bluefield University. Coach John came to Bluefield in the fall of 2023 to revive the men’s volleyball program, bringing with him more […]

Photos provided by Rampage student photographer Emily Sansalone. Rilla Cooper has joined the Academic Center for Excellence and Careers (ACEC) as the director of student success. Cooper comes to Bluefield University with 16 years of experience teaching high school juniors and seniors English and study skills, as well as helping them submit college applications. She […]

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.

Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Malique Gordon. Former BU alumnus and soccer player Cade Mullins has taken over the reins of the Lady Rams soccer program.  Mullins is from Richlands, VA, and graduated from Bluefield University in 2019. He first started playing soccer in eighth grade and continued to play all the way to […]

Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Elle Gunter. Kristen Parker has been named Bluefield University’s new dean of students. She is no stranger to BU and its students as she has served on staff before and is a Bluefield alumna. During the 2024-2025 academic year, Parker served as the sports information director with a new […]

Rampage broadcaster, Charles Howard, sits down to interview Executive IT Director, Robbie Smith. Smith talks of BU’s plan to increase internet speeds for campus and the implementation of that plan. Network hardware has been updated and Smith is hopeful to see increased internet speeds by mid to the end of May. Smith invites anyone who […]

Kristen Parker is the Director of Athletic Communications at Bluefield University and employee of the month for April. Parker sat down with Rampage broadcaster Elle Gunter to discuss her work at BU. Parker spoke about BU athletic improvements, plans to strengthen the program, and BU Athletics’ focus on student success. Give this podcast a listen […]

Photo courtesy of Gabriel Delvalle Dr. Andrew Necessary has been part of Bluefield University for the past five years. He has served not only as head of the Bluefield University music department but also as the director for the BU Ram Band, concert bands, and jazz ensembles. Dr. Necessary grew up in Tazewell County, Virginia, […]

Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Malique Gordon. Dean of Students Chris Johnson is saying goodbye to Bluefield University after seven years on campus, including four years as a student and three years as an employee. During his four years as a student, Johnson studied criminal justice and helped with Student Ministries before graduating in […]