Employee Features

For many college students, graduation means saying goodbye to the campus that has been a huge part of their lives for years. However, for two Bluefield University alumnae, graduation didn’t mean leaving behind BU. Instead, it meant returning to campus in new roles.

For Abbie Justis and Elle Gunter, their journeys at BU have come full circle as they have gone from students to staff members. Although their paths to BU were different, both found opportunities at the university that encouraged them to stay after graduation.

For Gunter, Bluefield has always felt like home. When she was looking to transfer from her previous school, BU was willing to work with her even though she was transferring in late. While convenience played a part in her decision, her experience at BU quickly became about much more than just that.

Dr. Jason Craig began serving as Bluefield University’s newest provost on July 7, 2026. Dr. Craig brings experience in a myriad of areas including physical therapy, along with years of background in higher education as a student, professor, and senior academic leader. Since beginning at Bluefield University, Dr. Craig has brought new ideas and helped spur progress at our very own “lighthouse on the hill.”

Dr. Craig, who originally is from America, grew up and received his education in Northern Ireland. After earning his bachelor’s in physical therapy, he went straight to earning his research-based PhD through the same university, the University of Ulster. After around four and a half years of research, Dr. Craig earned his PhD and began teaching at his alma mater.

Travis Roberts, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Marketing at Bluefield, serves the university by overseeing traditional admissions and enrollment as well as public relations and university marketing.

Roberts also has another talent – meteorology. Roberts, who graduated from Bluefield College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, completed a broadcast meteorology program at Mississippi State University and earned the Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association. He initially served the community as a meteorologist at WVVA, a local news station, before returning to Bluefield as a staff member.

Nestled in between the cafeteria and the student center, Chicory Coffee Co. fuels BU students with meals, candy, soft drinks, snacks, shakes, and most importantly — coffee.

Talking with students is one of Emily Coppola’s favorite things about serving as an academic advisor. Discover what drew this former news reporter to Bluefield University, what her numerous roles entail, and what her hobbies are in this employee profile podcast.

Bluefield University men’s soccer is entering a new era under the leadership of new head coach Ryan McCartney, a coach whose passion for the game is matched by a deep commitment to faith, personal growth, and community.

“History stuff” is what Wendy Beavers, assistant professor of history at Bluefield University, hopes her students walk away with an interest in.

“I love to learn and teach new information,” Beavers said, “to see new students every semester who maybe never liked history, then to see some of them by the end of the semester say, ‘Hey, maybe this history stuff is pretty interesting.'”

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 […]