Faculty Feature

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.

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.

“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.'”

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 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, […]

Bluefield University recently welcomed Dr. Jermey and Melissa Yowell full time to the BU Music Department. The two have stepped up and quickly steered the department back on track with big plans to strengthen and grow the music and art scene on campus and in the community. The hiring of the Yowells full time comes […]

While Dr. Shawn White is a professor at Bluefield University, he is equally known to students for the many other different roles he fills at the university. And a look at his life before BU shows a variety of experiences that have helped prepare him for the many positions he holds today.  A native of […]

Students taking English courses at Bluefield University are enjoying the benefits of being taught by a seasoned veteran of the classroom, thanks to the return of longtime BU professor Mickey Pellillo, who has stepped out of retirement to teach again.

Bluefield University has many outstanding professors who are always willing to go out of their way for students. That is no different for BU professor Dr. William Michael Bandy.

Charles and Rebecca Reese have been married for 33 years. They’ve been working together for 35 years, 22 of which have been at Bluefield University.

Learn more about Dr. Michael Bandy, a Bluefield University professor shaping young minds through his passion for teaching and coaching. 

Dr. Mark Milberger is Bluefield University’s new assistant professor of church music and worship arts, and in that role he’s looking to build bridges within the community.

Over the past thirty-one years, Walter Shroyer has served Bluefield University as a full-time art professor and chair of the Art Department.

Dr. Cindy Bascom is a longtime professor at Bluefield University who will be retiring at the end of the academic year. Above all, she is a Christian woman who loves to demonstrate her faith by making a difference in students’ lives.