New scholarship established at West Liberty University

West Liberty University has a new scholarship available thanks to longtime supporters Todd and Joyce Kimpel. The Kimpels have created the Todd and Joyce Kimpel Family Financial Planning Scholarship to support and encourage students who are pursuing the Financial Planning major at West Liberty University. The scholarship will become available in the Fall 2025 semester.

According to an article on West Liberty University’s website, Shawn Ullom, who serves as the Director of Development for the West Liberty University Foundation, was quoted as saying of the establishment of this new scholarship, “This scholarship reflects Todd and Joyce’s passion for the profession and their desire to help develop the next generation of financial advisors. Their commitment to mentorship and education will leave a lasting legacy at WLU.”

The Todd and Joyce Kimpel Family Financial Planning Scholarship will be awarded to junior-year students who have declared a Financial Planning major. Eligible students will have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and those who wish to apply for the scholarship must submit an essay that outlines their interest in financial planning. If a student is awarded the scholarship for their junior year, the scholarship may be renewed for their senior year provided that the academic requirements remain met.

Todd Kimpel is a 1980 graduate of West Liberty State College, now West Liberty University. Todd spent his junior and senior year of college working at his father’s financial planning firm with a focus on life insurance, pensions, and retirement planning. Joyce began working at the Prudential office in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1976. Todd and Joyce married in 1982, and in 1983, when Todd’s father passed away, he purchased the firm, and he and Joyce worked there together, growing the business even further. In 2003, they established Commonwealth Financial Services. In addition to their successful financial planning business, the Kimpels have also raised three children together and are active in their church and in several nonprofit organizations.

Speaking of his and his wife’s decision to establish this scholarship, Todd said, “We have been impressed by the work of Professor Michael Jesse who developed the Financial Planning Major at WLU. The demand for Financial Advisors is expected to increase significantly in the coming years and we are proud to support students who have a desire to enter the field that has been so rewarding for both of us.” 

For more information about West Liberty University, visit the school’s website.