SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — BridgeValley Community & Technical College is proud to announce that Dean of Students Carla Blankenbuehler has received the 2025 Stella Cooksey Distinguished Service Award, presented by the West Virginia Association of Student Personnel Administrators (WVASPA).

The Stella Cooksey Distinguished Service Award is one of WVASPA's highest honors, recognizing a student affairs professional who has made significant, long-term contributions to higher education in West Virginia. Nominees are evaluated based on their service to a West Virginia college or university and their contributions to the West Virginia Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

The award is named in honor of Stella Cooksey, founder of WVASPA, whose distinguished 47-year career in higher education included 28 years of service at Morris Harvey College, now known as the University of Charleston.

As Dean of Students, Blankenbuehler has dedicated her career to fostering student success by creating a welcoming, student-centered environment and expanding access to resources that help students achieve their academic and personal goals. Her leadership has strengthened student services and enhanced the overall student experience at BridgeValley.

Beyond her work at the college, Blankenbuehler has been an active leader within WVASPA, contributing to the advancement of the student affairs profession and supporting collaboration among higher education institutions throughout West Virginia.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Stella Cooksey Distinguished Service Award," said Blankenbuehler. "Supporting students has always been the most rewarding part of my career, and I am grateful to work alongside colleagues at BridgeValley who share the same commitment to helping every student succeed. This recognition is truly a reflection of the incredible team and students I have had the privilege to serve."

BridgeValley Community & Technical College congratulates Blankenbuehler on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates her continued dedication to serving students and strengthening higher education throughout West Virginia.