High school guidance counselors, teachers, principals and other educators across the state are encouraged to register for West Virginia Universitys third education summit,Partnering with West Virginias Educators,set for Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Embassy Suites in Charleston.

West Virginia First Lady Gayle Manchin will headline a distinguished roster of summit speakers. Mrs. Manchin, a former teacher in both public and higher education, is expected to talk about the importance of each West Virginia child receiving a high quality education and the programs the Manchin administration has supported to make that possible.

The WVU summit offers a unique forum for those in secondary education in West Virginia to share best practices, discuss preparation for higher education with University faculty and administrators, and examine academic challenges and goals with colleagues.

The workshops are targeted to educators interested in improving support services for students inside and outside the classroom, as well as offering high school students highly targeted guidance for college entrance.

The summit will begin at 2:30 p.m. with WVU officials providing information on a number of programs including the Mountaineer Parents Club, WVU Honors College, WVU s new Lincoln Hall Residential College and the Resident Faculty Leader program. Information on admissions and scholarships also will be available, and a demonstration of the Universitys Web recruitment portal will be offered. The site offers guidance counselors the ability to check on their studentsapplications.

WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. will formally welcome participants at 3:30 p.m.

Afternoon presenters will include Carolyn Atkins, a WVU speech pathology professor and 2005 Carnegie Professor of the Year. Dr. Atkins is renowned for her instruction in honing public speaking skills, will speak on effective communication.

Catherine Yura, director of the Universitys Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, will talk on preparing young people for college and personal autonomy.

Earl Scime, an award-winning, nationally acclaimed WVU professor of physics, will speak on the power of mentorship. While at WVU , Dr. Scime has mentored six Goldwater Scholars.

At 5:45 p.m., West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Steven Paine will introduce Mrs. Manchin. Her address will be followed by dinner.

Cost of the summit is being underwritten by WVU , but parking is not included. Reservations are limited and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register, email WVU _Summit@mail.wvu.edu by Oct. 12. For additional information, visit/www.wvu.edu/and click on the education summit icon, or call Sue Davis at 304-293-3837.

Overnight accommodations can be made by calling the Embassy Suites and asking for the WVU rate.