Schools

Glenville State University Student Balances Personal, Work Life with School

GLENVILLE, WV – Glenville State University student Herb Curtis knows busy.

Between being a father, holding down a full-time job, and being involved in his community, completing a degree might be the last thing on anyone else’s mind. But not his.

“To me, this has been about learning self-discipline and really acknowledging my full potential,” Curtis said.

The lifelong Lewis County resident graduated from Lewis County High School in 1999. From there he worked as a Juvenile Correction Officer before starting college at Fairmont State, pursing a degree in criminal justice. He was unable to complete the degree at the time, so he began working in the oil and gas industry. Employed by Dominion Energy WV for over 13 years, Curtis has held various positions throughout his tenure with the company and is currently a Natural Gas Distribution Specialist.

In 2019, when the opportunity arose for him to serve on the Weston City Council, Curtis mounted a successful campaign and now also represents Ward IV of the municipality.

That same year, he decided to return to college to complete a degree from Glenville State. Curtis enrolled in GSU’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Business Management program. 

Curtis says he returned to college to further his education and to become a future business owner.

“I’ve enjoyed learning how to create a professional business plan and about true leadership. I’m currently utilizing critical thinking skills that I’ve learned from within my business degree to solve issues within the workplace,” he said.

“He really goes above and beyond, making a point to stay connected,” said Associate Professor of Business, Dr. Kandas Queen. “As an online student, that can be challenging, but he has still worked to make a personal connection with his professors and fellow students. I view him as an asset to Glenville State University and our BSBA program.”

Curtis, who says he draws inspiration from his daughter Tiffany, is on track to complete his degree this May.

For more information about any of the online degree programs available at Glenville State University, contact the Office of Admissions at (304) 462-4128.