Visiting with the Bethany Broadcasting Network (BBN) webcast play-by-play and color analysis team of Matt Neverett (r) and Dakota Kotsol at a break in the Bethany women's game with Washington & Jefferson.

 

With Bethany Broadcasting Network "Game Day" hosts Jared Martin and Jim Peterson at a break in first half action of the Bethany v. W & J women's basketball game. 

Conversion of Bethany Coal Plant to Natural Gas

As you know, Bethany College is one of nearly 700 signatories to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), a higher-education leadership initiative designed to address and to help correct the effects of global warming and climate change. For several years, the College has researched and analyzed available options to continue with our effort to reduce the carbon footprint of our campus.

To meet new Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) compliance guidelines by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, we will in the spring convert our coal boiler plant to natural gas. The conversion will be to what is called a Low Nitrogen Oxide burner capable of a maximum output of 300 horsepower.

The technical benefits are:

• Elimination of particulate matter control devices (e.g., fabric filter, ESP, multi-clones, etc.).

• Elimination of SO2 control devices (e.g., dry or wet flue gas desulfurization).

• Elimination of disposal costs associated with coal combustion residue (CCR).

• Elimination of coal storage, handling, and preparation equipment.

• Significantly reduced maintenance costs.

In addition to meeting new guidelines, the upgrade will move us closer to a longer term goal of having individual heating systems in each building, which will allow more efficient control of our overall facility environment.

You should not notice a disruption in any heating services.

I wish to thank Ted Williams, Director of the Physical Plant, and his staff for their intensive planning for the conversion and their commitment to enhanced energy efficiency for Bethany College.

Productive meeting at the WV Senate President's Office this morning with Jack Harrison, Government Relations Officer with West Virginia Independent Colleges and Universities, Ned Rose, Chair of the WVICU Board, and Pam Balch, President of West Virginia Wesleyan & Chair of the President's Council. I enjoy serving as Chair of Legislative Affairs for WVICU.

With former Bethany Provost and current West Virginia Wesleyan President Pam Balch at the State Capitol Complex this morning.

Great visiting with Jim Workman, Assistant Managing Editor of The State Journal, at the editorial offices in Charleston. For over six years, I've authored a monthly higher education column for the paper.

Enjoyable visit at the State Capitol with Sen. Jack Yost (D - Brooke). He now proudly displays a "Boomer" bobble head in his office.

Productive discussion with Del. Phillip Diserio (D - Brooke) today at the State Capitol. "Boomer" now resides in his Charleston office.

Megan Lindley and Briana Breault fund raising for last night's "Think Pink" game to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund (in partnership with the Women's Basketball Coaches Association).

With our current scholars at Saturday’s Kalon Leadership Scholars luncheon. Joining us for the picture: Kathy Shelek-Furbee (Kalon Advisor) and Todd Owens (keynote speaker).

Afternoon branding and marketing planning session with Jeff Flick, President and CEO, and Kristina Martinez, Executive Vice President, of Pittsburgh-based BD & E. Jeff is graduate of Bethany and was recently recognized as Alumnus of the Year.