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Jessica Tice
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College Foundation of West Virginia recognizes high schools for meeting FAFSA completion goal

November 30, 2015

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) announced today that 32 high schools in West Virginia met or exceeded the State’s 2015 goal for increasing the number of 12th graders who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or “FAFSA.”  In January, CFWV set a goal of ensuring that at least 60 percent of high school seniors complete the FAFSA, which is the primary application for state and federal financial aid for college, by September 1.  “Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps in pursuing higher education,” Brian Weingart, Senior Director for Financial Aid…

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Higher Education Policy Commission approves new presidents at Marshall, Shepherd and West Liberty universities

November 20, 2015

–New Commissioner Andrew Payne sworn in– Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission voted unanimously today to grant final approval of three presidential selections – Dr. Jerome Gilbert at Marshall University, Dr. Mary Hendrix at Shepherd University and Dr. Stephen Greiner at West Liberty University. “It is certainly uncommon to have three presidential searches underway at the same time, but I am pleased that stakeholders across each campus – boards, faculty, students and staff – were fully engaged in the processes,” said Dr. Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “As an ex-officio member of the search committees, I…

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Chancellors Hill & Tucker: Colleges pledge to help veterans succeed

November 12, 2015

As West Virginians honor those who have served and continue serving this Veterans Day, our state’s public colleges and universities have rallied together to create a stronger level of support for veterans and service members who are working to further their education. This year, the Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System of West Virginia launched the “5 Star Challenge,” which sets forth five exemplary standards for better supporting student veterans. And we are proud to say that all of our community and technical colleges and four-year institutions have accepted the challenge. According to spring 2015 enrollment…

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Chancellor Hill: Marking 50 years of the Higher Education Act

November 8, 2015

On November 8, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Higher Education Act, unparalleled federal legislation that strengthened investments in public colleges and universities and provided dedicated support to students pursuing higher education. On that day 50 years ago, he said, “This will swing open a new door for the young people of America…the most important door that will ever open – the door to education.” This was a touchstone moment for higher education in our country. It made postsecondary education a national priority and placed it within the reach of more lower- and middle-income Americans. And it avowed…

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W.Va. colleges and universities commit to increased support for student veterans

November 4, 2015

All public undergraduate institutions accept ‘5 Star Challenge’ CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s public two-year and four-year colleges and universities are pledging increased support for student veterans during events to be held this week through the State’s ‘5 Star Challenge’ initiative, which launched earlier this fall. The Challenge, which calls on institutions to adopt a set of exemplary standards for supporting student veterans, is a tribute to the military tradition of issuing “challenge coins” to service members who embody the values and standards of their military units. College and university presidents from across West Virginia will participate in ceremonies pledging…

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Charleston Gazette editorial: A plan for college

November 3, 2015

From the Charleston Gazette-Mail Higher Education Chancellor Paul Hill shared some disturbing news in a meeting with Gazette-Mail editors last week: West Virginia has lost significant ground on the rate of high school graduates going on to college. As of five years ago, West Virginia had worked up to 61.5 percent of students going on to college after high school, close to the national average of 63 percent. Since then, that rate has dropped to about 55 percent, where it was 15 years ago. This is happening despite the continuing projections that most jobs in the future will require some…

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PROMISE Scholarship application opens Nov. 2

November 2, 2015

Charleston Gazette-Mail by Samuel Speciale Applications for West Virginia’s Promise Scholarship will be available starting Monday. The merit-based financial aid program, which covers up to $4,750 in tuition and fees, is awarded to eligible high school graduates. The application is available until March 1, the same day students must turn in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA. While receiving the scholarship requires meeting academic benchmarks, one higher education official said eligibility should not keep a student from applying. “Basically, if you are a high school student in West Virginia, apply,” said Brian Weingart, director…

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