Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) has announced the inaugural recipients of the Mary “Mickey” Welch Scholarship. Each of the four full-time students in MAMC’s career skills programs will receive $1,000 scholarships to support their educational pursuits.
Winners were selected based on their academic standing as well as essays they wrote explaining their decision to pursue careers in manufacturing in addition to their personal and professional goals, according to MAMC Director Derek Scarbro.
The recipients are Savannah Black, first-semester CNC Machine Tool Technology student from Charleston; Jordan Chapman of Huntington and Jessica Setliff of Hurricane, both third-semester SMART (Systems Maintenance, Automation and Robotics Technology) students; and Gregory Meadows a third-semester Welding Technology student from Kenova.
The scholarships are funded through a $100,000 endowment established by Welch’s daughter, Mary Anne Ketelsen, to honor her late mother’s commitment to supporting the trades industries.
Jessica Setliff
From an early age, Setliff was interested in how things work. As a small child, she used to follow her father around asking countless questions. “He’s the one who made fixing things interesting to me. My dad knew a little bit about everything.” By about age 9, Setliff had learned how to change brakes on a car. But at 11 years old her world came crashing down. Her father was killed in a house fire.
“Losing my Dad used to be my excuse as to why I did not do better. Now, I use that pain for purpose and I keep pushing forward to make him proud,” Setliff explained. “I feel like having a career in the manufacturing industry will be challenging but also rewarding. They say that good things do not come easy, but they are worth it if you work for it. I am definitely ready to work hard.”
The love of learning new things and exploring things she doesn’t fully understand led the busy mother, recovery coach – and student – to pursue a career in industrial maintenance technology. “I know that I chose the right career path because I can feel it in my heart, every time that I walk in the doors of MAMC.”
MAMC SMART Instructor Colby McCoy said Setliff’s spirit of perseverance has enabled her to excel and grow in the field of industrial maintenance. “Through her dedication to her studies, work ethic and can-do attitude, Jessica has made great strides, becoming an individual that any company in manufacturing would be proud to have on its team.”
Savannah Black
Black returned to school after a nearly decade-long hiatus from education. During that break, she developed a passion for manufacturing while working as a tour guide for a local glass manufacturer.
“I met craftsmen and women who inspired me to always try learning something different and found a confidence to never stop asking questions,” Black said. “It was as if my brain was built for this, and I felt as powerful and efficient as the machines I operated… I discovered a new world of manufacturing.”
Machinist Instructor Treston Withrow said Black is one of the most determined students he’s taught.
“Her lead-by-example mentality rubs off on the other students,” Withrow said. “Whether we are in the classroom learning blueprint reading and precision measurement, or working on a project in the shop, she always asks questions that help other students understand the why and how of the topic at hand.”
After earning her degree, Black hopes to start her own manufacturing business or non-profit. “I hope to achieve a level of education and stability that allows me to uplift other young, underprivileged, people like me living in the hollers around us wondering where they fit into this world.”
Jordan Chapman
After Chapman earned an associate degree in animation and gaming he found it difficult to secure stable employment locally in his field. “Instead of giving up on technology or moving away,” he explained, “I began looking for a practical way to apply my programming interests in a growing field close to home.”
That led him to SMART at MAMC.
“During one of our early lab sessions, I worked on a PLC (programmable logic controller) program that controlled equipment movement. Seeing the code come to life in a real mechanical system helped me realize I had found the right direction,” he explained. “That moment confirmed that manufacturing, especially industrial automation, was where I wanted to build my future.”
MAMC SMART Instructor Colby McCoy said Chapman pays careful attention to detail and displays a strong desire to excel.
“Jordan shows an acuity for precision in his techniques that will carry him to great things in his career,” McCoy said. “His dedication to perfecting science and math in maintenance programs is beyond his years.”
Chapman said it hasn’t been easy starting over while balancing the responsibility of a part-time job and a demanding career skills program, but he’s convinced he’s found his calling.
“I have shown dedication, resilience and a clear vision for my future in manufacturing. I am ready to contribute my skills to West Virginia’s growing industrial workforce and eventually help others who are working their way into this field.”
Gregory Meadows
Meadows decided to pursue a college degree at 32 years old, which was intimidating at first, but he soon realized he had made the right choice. “I never imagined that going to college is something that I would be able to do, let alone flourish in,” he said. “I have surprised even myself when it comes to how well I have done and the things I have accomplished.”
Eric Cochran, Meadow’s MAMC welding instructor, said through hard work and commitment, Meadows is well on his way to earning a degree and having a successful career as a welder.
“Greg is very dedicated to learning and becoming successful in the welding industry,” Cochran said. “He has the potential to be a great welder in all processes to further his career in this field. His attention to detail and making sure things are right will lead him to success!”
Meadows, the first generation in his family to go to college, said he constantly stresses the value of education to the six children in his blended family. “It doesn’t matter what they want to do with their life as long as they try hard in school they will achieve that.”
Welch’s storied legacy of giving will live on through these – and future – scholarship winners, Scarbro said.
A pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist, Welch broke barriers in male-dominated industries. As the owner of multiple businesses, including Welch Oil & Gas, Welch Music and Classic Rope, she became the first woman in West Virginia to drill an oil well. Her success and leadership served as an inspiration to women entering the trades sector and business world.
“She was especially passionate about helping young people access education and opportunity, often directing her philanthropy toward hands-on learning and support for underserved youth,” Ketelsen said. “This scholarship honors her legacy by supporting students pursuing careers in the trades — fields she championed through her work and example.”
Nov. 20, 2025
