WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly renovated Hilltop Center for Biomedical Research on Wednesday, February 11, at 2:00 p.m. in Arnett Hall, followed by an open house from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The Hilltop Center for Biomedical Research significantly expands dedicated laboratory space for biomedical research at West Liberty University, addressing long-standing capacity constraints while supporting the university’s growing academic programs and externally funded research portfolio.
Previously, Arnett Hall housed only one dedicated research laboratory shared among five faculty members and approximately 30 students engaged in externally funded biomedical research. To meet increasing demand and enhance collaboration, faculty members Dr. Deanna Schmitt and Dr. Holly Vopal successfully applied for a $250,000 Alterations and Renovations grant through the WV IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE) program.
“These funds allowed us to renovate a previously underused classroom into a state-of-the-art research laboratory that now serves as a collaborative biomedical research suite providing opportunities for student-driven research,” said Dr. Holly Vopal.
Since 2012, West Liberty University’s biology program has experienced a 43 percent increase in undergraduate majors. During that same period, the university launched two graduate programs—MA/MS in Biology and an MA in Biomedical Sciences—as well as a new undergraduate biomedical research major. The expanded laboratory space positions the university to sustain this growth while increasing its research output and student engagement in hands-on scientific inquiry.
“The newly renovated laboratory in Arnett Hall will significantly expand West Liberty University’s laboratory space for dedicated bench research and support faculty and students on their path to scientific discovery,” said Dr. Karen Kettler, Dean of the College of Sciences.
Faculty affiliated with the Hilltop Center for Biomedical Research include Drs. Schmitt, Racine-Vopal, Cantlay, Garrison, and Horzempa, who collectively hold more than $1.6 million in active research grants. These projects integrate student research, experiential learning, and real-world scientific innovation across multiple biomedical disciplines.
The renovation was funded through a competitive Alterations and Renovations grant from the WV IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE), a federally supported research program established by the National Institutes of Health to strengthen biomedical research capacity in eligible states.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is open to the campus community, elected officials, project partners, and members of the public. Guests are encouraged to remain for the open house to tour the facility and learn more about ongoing and planned research initiatives.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
