‘Most Loyal’ honorees selected for WVU’s Mountaineer Week

The 2021 Mountaineer Week Most Loyal honorees are Robert “Bob” and Nancy Douglas, Most Loyal West Virginians; Michael Manley, Most Loyal Alumni Mountaineer; Samuel Ameri, Most Loyal Faculty/Professional Staff Mountaineer; and Meghan Reeves, Most Loyal Staff Mountaineer. (WVU Photo)

A dedicated attorney, a career educator, a computer software entrepreneur, an engineering professor and a research administrator are among this year’s “Most Loyals” to be honored during the  74th Mountaineer Week on  West Virginia University’s campus.

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

The 2021 honorees are Robert “Bob” and Nancy Douglas, Most Loyal West Virginians; Michael Manley, Most Loyal Alumni Mountaineer; Samuel Ameri, Most Loyal Faculty/Professional Staff Mountaineer; and Meghan Reeves, Most Loyal Staff Mountaineer. The group will be recognized during the halftime ceremonies of WVU’s Saturday, Nov. 6, home football game against Oklahoma State at Milan Puskar Stadium.

The award recipients are selected by a joint committee representing the WVU Foundation, WVU Alumni Association, WVU Staff Council, WVU Faculty Senate and the Mountaineer Week organizing committee. Each exemplifies faithfulness to the ideals and goals of WVU and West Virginia through business, professional and civic achievement, leadership and service.

Most Loyal West Virginians

Robert “Bob” and Nancy Douglas, of Charleston, have demonstrated their dedication to West Virginia through nearly a lifetime of service. Bob and Nancy are 1956 graduates of the College of Law and School of Music, respectively. Bob has practiced law for more than 60 years, while Nancy’s career in education spanned 50 years.

Beyond their professional endeavors, the couple has been generous with their time and resources. A former WVU Marching Band drum major, Bob served in the U.S. Army and has been actively involved with Boy Scouts of America and his church, First Presbyterian of Charleston. The Douglases are significant contributors to scholarships and facilities at WVU and a variety of community causes they find important, including Charleston’s Clay Center and the Kanawha County Public Library.

Most Loyal Alumni Mountaineer

Michael Manley, of Morgantown, credits WVU for the outstanding education and professional experience that made him a successful entrepreneur in the computer software industry for more than 40 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and master’s degree in computer science from WVU while simultaneously working for the University in a variety of capacities. He rose to assistant director of computing services before leaving to grow his business, Software Systems, Inc., which provides specialized software solutions and support for county governments throughout West Virginia.

In recognition of his public service and professional achievement, Manley was inducted into the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering’s Distinguished Alumni Academy in 2010. He later established two endowed scholarships to help eliminate financial challenges for students in Lane Department programs.

Most Loyal Faculty/Professional Staff Mountaineer

Samuel Ameri has served his alma mater for more than 30 years as a professor at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. His loyalty and leadership extends beyond his role as chair of the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. He has chaired the WVU Athletic Council, the WVU Faculty Welfare Committee, the WVU Student Instruction Committee and more. He also provides critical leadership, education and insight to support West Virginia’s energy industry.

Ameri’s commitment is reflected in his lasting connections with colleagues, students, alumni and the industry. He has been selected as his Department’s Outstanding Teacher, the College’s Outstanding Alumnus and West Virginia Oil and Gas Man of the Year, among other honors.

Most Loyal Staff Mountaineer

A strong family legacy at WVU motivated Meghan Reeves to earn two degrees at WVU, and she continues to serve the University with integrity and loyalty as a valued staff member. She serves as director of finance and research administration for the West Virginia Clinical & Translational Science Institute at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center.

Reeves works with stakeholders at WVU and across the state to provide services that expand research infrastructure and cultivate the next generation of biomedical researchers. In this role and others, she has demonstrated her commitment to improving the lives of all West Virginians through better health.

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