Two Scholarships Reach Permanent Endowment Status at West Liberty University
The Blangor, Bunch, Hudson, and Spinner Scholarship was founded in 2022 by lifelong friends and Steubenville High School graduates John Blangor, Bryan Bunch, Neal Hudson, and Clifton Spinner. Their strong bond, which began in childhood, carried through their time as student-athletes at Steubenville High School and later at West Liberty University. Their collective passion for giving back—especially to students from their hometown—led them to establish this scholarship, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent Steubenville graduates from pursuing higher education at WLU.
Their experiences at West Liberty, including their relationships with influential mentors like legendary wrestling coach Vince Monseau, shaped their professional paths in law enforcement, public safety, and the military. For Neal Hudson, financial challenges made college unattainable at the time, leading him to join the U.S. Air Force. His story became a driving force behind their scholarship, reinforcing the group’s shared commitment to providing opportunities for others.
“West Liberty University gave us a strong foundation for success, and we want to ensure that future students—especially those from Steubenville—have the same opportunities we had,” said Clifton Spinner, Facility Physical & Global Security Chief at Batelle in Columbus, Ohio. Spinner is also a member of the WLU Foundation Board of Directors.
The Blangor, Bunch, Hudson and Spinner Scholarship will be available to award for the 2026-27 academic year.
Similarly, the Jessica ’03 and Kenith ‘02 Britt Scholarship was established in 2022 to support future West Liberty University Education majors. Jessica (Barr) Britt, a 2003 WLU graduate from Moundsville, WV, and Kenith Britt, a 2002 graduate, both earned degrees in Elementary Education and shared a passion for the arts, participating in Hilltop Players productions. The couple met in Kelly Theatre, married in 2003, and have since dedicated their careers to Catholic education.
Ken, a first-generation college student, credits WLU as a pivotal influence in his personal and professional growth. He furthered his education with a Master’s degree from Marshall University and a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America, eventually advancing to senior leadership in higher education. He now serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Chancellor at Marian University in Indianapolis. He is also a member of the WLU Foundation Board of Directors. Jessica, a dedicated educator, homeschools their four children.
“We believe in the power of education and the responsibility to give back,” said Kenith Britt. “West Liberty provided us with invaluable experiences, and we want to ensure that future educators have access to the same great opportunities that shaped our lives.”
In late 2024, the Britt scholarship reached the $25,000 level of permanent endowment and the Britts have recently renewed their commitment to WLU and its students with an additional pledge of $20,000. The inaugural award of the scholarship will be made for the Fall 2025 semester.
Through continued contributions to these scholarship funds since their inception, both are now permanently endowed and will provide annual financial support to WLU students, creating a lasting impact for generations to come.
For more information about these scholarships or to contribute, please visit wlufoundation.org or contact Betsy Delk, WLU Foundation Executive Director at 304-336-8847.
About the West Liberty University Foundation
The WLU Foundation is dedicated to enhancing student success by securing and stewarding private support for West Liberty University. Through scholarships, endowments, and strategic initiatives, the Foundation empowers students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
