Patricia Jabbeh Wesley
Patricia Jabbeh Wesley, associate professor of English, was selected as the recipient of the 2016 WISE Women of Blair County Award in Arts and Letters based on her achievements as a writer and women’s activist. She was described by a WISE Women board member as “a woman who is such a thoughtful, inspiring and confident person … and truly passionate about all she does and will do.”
Jabbeh Wesley is the author of five books of poetry, including Where the Road Turns, The River is Rising, Becoming Ebony, and When the Wanderers Come Home. She is also the author of the children’s book, In Monrovia, the River Visits the Sea. Jabbeh Wesley, whose work has been critically acclaimed by literary scholars, has also had dozens of poems, memoir articles, and other non-fiction articles published in anthologies and literary magazines in the United States, Europe, Africa, and South America. In 2011, Jabbeh Wesley received the Presidential Award for her poetry and her work in the Altoona community.
WISE (Women Involved in Scholarship and Empowerment) recognizes and honors women in Blair County who demonstrate excellence and leadership in promoting awareness of the significant role women play in the economic growth and quality of life in the community in the areas of Arts & Letters, Business & Professional, Community Service Volunteer, Education, Non-Profit/Government, Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement.
Jabbeh Wesley received her award in April.