FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2025

2025 Morgantown Citizens Academy Candidates Selected

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. —Preparations are underway and candidates have been selected for The City of Morgantown's next installment of Citizens Academy, a program that was designed back in Spring 2022, to give citizens a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the city departments and how to effectively engage their local government.  

A selection committee of five city staff members evaluated the 32 applicants based on a number of factors. Some of those factors included initial expectations of the program, prior experience volunteering, availability to attend classes, as well as if they were a city or county resident. 

"The candidates we selected are a balanced mix of representation from our city and community at large. We have candidates that range in age from 18-20 all the way up to 66 plus, representation from 6 out of 7 wards, and a nearly equal ratio of genders." said Special Projects Coordinator, Nikki Lauffer. "We are really pleased with all of the interest in our program."

Below are the chosen candidates:

• Stephanie Hunt

• Madisen Wilson

• Cosmo Scott

• Emily Junkin

• Matt Bolling

• John Gatling

• Jeff Stenger

• Erica Steratore

• Kim Lovinski

• Brian Kornbrath

• Joanna DiPietro

• Bastion Bain

• Myla Cabuyao

• John Mullins

• Kennis Baker

• Megan Williams

• Christian Schaupp

• Nathan Garrett

• Kirsten Lancia

• Monica Moses

In addition to the 20 candidates, this year the City of Morgantown has partnered with the WVU Center for Community Engagement to offer a few select spots specifically for students. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Morgantown through Morgantown Citizens Academy to offer students a unique opportunity to connect civic engagement with their academic journeys," said Whitney Glotfelty, Assistant Director of the WVU Center for Community Engagement. 

"By allowing students an opportunity to align with the academy’s hands-on learning as part of their academic journey, students will gain valuable insight into local government while making meaningful contributions to the community. This partnership is a byproduct of the reciprocal relationship between the University and the city – creating a collaborative space where students and community leaders learn from one another and work together. We’re excited to see how this opportunity empowers students to become active, informed citizens!”

For students enrolled in the program, they may choose to receive course credit as part of their participation and initiative to learn more about the city. This year, the inaugual student representatives are Kendrick Fish,  a senior, undergraduate student studying Chemistry and Helene Nguemgaing, a Ph.D. candidate studying Resource Management.

"While I am completing a B.S. in Chemistry, my plan is to go to law school. I think this is a fantastic opportunity for me to see what working in and working with local government would be like,” said candidate Kendrick Fish.

Classes will begin for the 2025 session of Citizens Academy on April 10, 2025 and will conclude with a graduation ceremony during the June City Council meeting which is slated for June 17, 2025. 

Participants in the upcoming Citizens Academy will gain an in-depth understanding of Morgantown’s city departments and the important roles they play in the community through interactive, hands-on activities and discussions.

Throughout the program, attendees will have the chance to engage with various city departments, learning firsthand about their operations and services. In addition to city departments, a number of community partners will also be featured throughout including Morgantown Parking Authority, Morgantown Utility Board, the Morgantown Area Partnership, Main Street Morgantown, Visit Mountaineer Country CVB, BOPARC, and the Morgantown Municipal Library. 

For any media outlets interested in attending the first session of Citizen's Academy or the graduation ceremony during City Council, please reach out to the communications department at comms@morgantownwv.gov

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