2026 Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholars pursue service-driven careers to strengthen West Virginia

Whether improving rural infrastructure, advancing public health, preserving cultural heritage, or expanding agricultural education, the 2026 Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholarship recipients are pursuing graduate study with one goal in common: making a lasting difference for West Virginians.

The scholarship program, administered by the West Virginia University Office of Graduate Education and Life in partnership with the WVU Foundation, honors the legacy of its late namesake, Hazel Ruby McQuain, a businesswoman and benefactor devoted to community development in Morgantown and the surrounding area.

The four honorees, James Seth Davidson, Chloe Hatfield, Miranda Hummer, and Willie Taylor, will receive up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate education aimed at addressing the needs of communities across the Mountain State.

James Seth Davidson
Years of service in Lincoln County inspired James Seth Davidson to find new ways to help rural communities strengthen essential infrastructure.

A graduate of West Virginia State University and Marshall University, Davidson will pursue a doctoral degree in geography at WVU with a focus on geographic information systems. His research centers on developing a low-cost, user-friendly mapping application that would help rural public service districts better manage water systems, improve service reliability, and make informed decisions about maintenance and long-term investments.

"My commitment to public service and community leadership has shaped both my academic path and my long-term professional goals," Davidson said. "As a lifelong West Virginian, I have seen firsthand how essential infrastructure, especially reliable drinking water, is to the health, resilience, and economic stability of our rural communities."

His commitment to service extends beyond his academic work. Davidson serves on the board of the Alum Creek Alliance for Community Development, helping organize food drives, blood drives, and scholarship initiatives.

He also serves as a commissioner for the Lincoln Public Service District, which provides water service to approximately 2,400 customers. Davidson and his wife, Leighann Davidson, established an endowed scholarship at West Virginia State University to support future West Virginia students.

Chloe Hatfield
Growing up in the coalfields of southern West Virginia exposed Chloe Hatfield to the barriers many rural residents face when seeking healthcare and inspired her commitment to improving health outcomes in Appalachian communities.

That commitment led her to serve with AmeriCorps VISTA in McDowell County, where she worked on initiatives focused on food insecurity, youth engagement, and chronic disease prevention. She later contributed to community-based programs through WVU and supported research examining barriers to care in Appalachia.

As a first-generation college student, she helped establish the University's FirstGen Mountaineers club and has mentored students through teaching and success coaching roles.

Hatfield earned degrees in psychology and public health from WVU and will pursue doctoral study in public health at the University of Cincinnati. Her research interests include chronic disease prevention, health equity, and community-centered approaches to addressing medical mistrust and other challenges facing rural populations.

"Although my studies will take me out of state, my long-term goals remain firmly rooted at home," Hatfield said. "I intend to return to West Virginia to lead community-engaged research, develop evidence-based health promotion programs, and contribute to statewide efforts that advance health equity."

Miranda Hummer
Whether volunteering at archaeological excavations, helping preserve historic landmarks, or developing educational materials for students, Miranda Hummer has focused her efforts on protecting West Virginia's cultural heritage.

As a lifelong West Virginian and the first person in her family to pursue a master's degree, Hummer said she believes preserving the state's history can also create opportunities for local communities. Her goal is to help strengthen connections between historic preservation and heritage tourism while encouraging sustainable economic development.

The Berkeley County native earned a bachelor's degree in art and archaeology from Hood College and will pursue a master's degree in Appalachian studies at Shepherd University.

She has helped preserve historic cemeteries, served on the board of the Historic Morgan Cabin, and contributed to the development of eighth-grade curriculum focused on the history of the Kanawha Valley. This summer, she is designing and curating exhibits for the Kanawha Valley Salt Museum, helping share the story of one of the region's earliest industries with visitors.

"My academic journey has taught me that education is only the beginning; it provides the tools and knowledge necessary to take decisive, positive action for the betterment of the community," Hummer said. "The Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholarship will allow me to put this philosophy to work for my home state, ensuring our history is preserved and our people are the primary beneficiaries of our state's progress."

Willie Taylor
For Willie Taylor, one of the most rewarding moments of their undergraduate experience came when they helped visitors discover where their food comes from.

During an internship in the edible garden at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Taylor introduced children and adults to plant science and food production, often demonstrating how fruits and vegetables grow. Those conversations reinforced their passion for education and public outreach while shaping their future career goals.

The Roane County native earned a bachelor's degree in horticulture from WVU and is continuing their education as a graduate student. Their master's research will focus on food access in West Virginia, including efforts to better understand food deserts and connect communities with resources such as farmers markets, food cooperatives, community gardens, and food assistance programs.

"The legacy of Hazel Ruby McQuain reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of West Virginians through service and philanthropy," Taylor said. "By pursuing graduate study and dedicating my career to agricultural education and community engagement, I hope to contribute to that same spirit of service while strengthening connections between West Virginians and the land that sustains them."

Through research, education, and community partnerships, Taylor said they hope to strengthen local food networks while helping West Virginians connect with resources available in their own communities.

-WVU-

mn/8/4/26

MEDIA CONTACT: Cassie Rice
Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Foundation
304-554-0217; [email protected]

Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.