College doesn't have to be an overwhelming experience. And at Glenville State, it's not.

Glenville State's 325-acre wooded campus, tucked into the heart of central West Virginia, is staffed by people who take the time to help the college's 1,400 students navigate the waters of higher education.

All classes are taught by faculty, and all students are given plenty of one-on-one time with their advising professor.

"I always heard that going to college, you're just a number. But being here, it's a relief," said Cassie Squires, a 19-year old sophomore at Glenville State. "I know I can talk to my professors at anytime."

Junior Jenny James said she feels embraced by the Glenville community, and describes how the campus feels just like home.

"When I walk around campus, I know I'm supposed to be here," James said. "Professors know me by name, and if I have any questions about class, I know they'll be very open to answer those."

It seems this concept of care is catching on - enrollment at Glenville State is up 6 percent in the 2005-2006 school year. And Glenville State is meeting, and exceeding, the expectations of its growing population.

Major renovations
Glenville State just spent $10.5 million renovating the Alan B. Mollohan Campus Community Center, turning the old building into a state-of-the-art dining and recreation facility. Now students can drink their Starbucks coffee while checking e-mail in the cyber café, can watch news programs on one of the many televisions scattered throughout the building and can enjoy a hearty chef-prepared meal in the main dining room.

To burn off the stress of college, students can turn to the newly renovated Fitness Center in the Mollohan Center. Memberships are included in student fees, so students can take as many aerobics classes, or lift as many free weights, as they can handle.

The campus also poured another $500,000 into the Robert F. Kidd Library. The newly renovated first-floor of the library is now home to more than 40 computers students can use for research and homework. The new research center also offers students other technological equipment, such as a scanner and network printer.

To get a break from it all, many students at Glenville State take part in the High Adventure program. The program gives students the equipment and the know-how to scale rock walls, hike mountain trails, kayak the white water of West Virginia and ride a horse to the top of Seneca Rocks, among other things.

Teams to be proud of
Students at Glenville State are also proud of their school's strong athletics program. The Lady Pioneer basketball team holds one of the longest home winning streak records, and regularly packs the bleachers with Pioneer-backers. The Pioneer Football team also makes headlines. Just this past season, Pioneer Quarterback Joey Conrad smashed records left and right and was named to the All-Northeast Region Second Team, and was named WVIAC Offensive Player of the Year.

"There's a really big cheering section for the games," said James, who attends as many Lady Pioneer games as she can. "It really makes you feel a part of the college atmosphere."

Living at Glenville State
When the game's over and classes are done, students will find residence hall life at Glenville State to be relaxing and supportive. Resident students never have to worry if they have enough money for the basics, such as laundry, internet access or cable television, since all these items are included in the basic cost of the residence halls.

With in-state tuition at $1,800 a semester and a residence hall room priced at $1,250 a semester, Glenville State College's value simply cannot be beat. Students say they feel like they're getting a private school education at a public school price.

Making it happen
Admissions counselors will work with students to maximize scholarship opportunities. James said she was planning to borrow money so she could attend one of West Virginia's larger universities, until she realized that she could graduate from Glenville State College debt free in four years.

Other students cite affordability as one of the biggest factors in their decision to come to Glenville State.

"It's affordable, and it's close to home," said Squires, who commutes from Braxton County every day.

Glenville State welcomes visitors. Tours are available every business day, and the admissions office can be reached at 1-800-924-2010.