Alumna Roper Named WV Woman of the Year Rising Star

Batten School MPP alumna Natalie Roper was selected as one of two Woman of the Year "Rising Stars" at the recent West Virginia Women’s Leadership Summit.

Batten School MPP alumna Natalie Roper was selected as one of two Woman of the Year “Rising Stars” at the recent West Virginia Women’s Leadership Summit. The Summit was hosted by the Women’s Innovative Networking Group (WINGS), an affiliated program of the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce.

Roper is currently the executive director of Generation West Virginia, a network of young talent organizations established to encourage leadership development in the state. The organization works with both the private and public sectors to further its mission in West Virginia.

Award selection committee member Nikki Bowman said, “Natalie Roper has been a dynamic and leading voice in addressing one of the state’s most pressing issues–retaining and attracting young talent. Through her work as Generation West Virginia’s executive director, she’s pushed for broadband expansion and other legislation, rallied younger generations to be more vested in their towns, and served as a role model for other young women.”

Related News

Explore The Latest
News and Information

  • UVA Hydra: Where Seven Heads are Better than One
    Student Stories
    UVA Hydra: Where Seven Heads are Better than One

    UVA Batten students on the Women's Ultimate Frisbee Team, Hydra, find commonality and balance amidst their academic pursuits and competing on this nationally ranked team.

    Learn More
  • UVA Batten 2026 Legacy Awards
    Student Stories
    UVA Batten 2026 Legacy Awards

    Each year, the Batten Undergraduate Council invites students, faculty, and staff to make nominations for its Legacy Awards, given in five categories to honor graduating Bachelor of Arts students who have demonstrated leadership at the Batten School. Each of these awards reflect the virtues and experiences that distinguished Frank Batten, Sr. throughout his inspirational life.

    Learn More
  • 2026 Citizen Leadership Medalist Henry Louis Gates, Jr. to Visit UVA Batten
    Accolades
    2026 Citizen Leadership Medalist Henry Louis Gates, Jr. to Visit UVA Batten

    Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is the 2026 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership, which is the highest external honor bestowed by the University and recognizes the achievements of luminaries who embrace endeavors in which Jefferson excelled and held in high regard.

    Learn More