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Jessica Tice
304-558-0699
jessica.tice@wvhepc.edu

State higher education systems release fall 2019 enrollment data

December 6, 2019

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS) today released fall 2019 enrollment data for the state’s public two- and four-year postsecondary education institutions. Notably, enrollment of first-time freshmen in the state’s nine community and technical colleges increased 9.9 percent from fall 2018 to fall 2019, meaning more than 3,000 freshmen entered those campuses this semester. “As we were working to pass the free community college bill during the 2019 legislative session, our hope and expectation was that there would be several students who wouldn’t have otherwise gone on to college…

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Millions in college grant dollars available if students file the FAFSA

November 18, 2019

State higher education office sets goal for 70 percent of high school seniors to complete financial aid applications CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) is aiming for at least 70 percent of high school seniors to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15, 2020. Without completing this application, West Virginia’s students are potentially missing out on millions of dollars in available federal and state tuition assistance. To be eligible for all federal and most state financial aid programs, students must file the FAFSA. Those who file are considered for the…

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Dr. Powell

Veteran I.T. professional to lead West Virginia Network

November 13, 2019

Dr. Carl Powell brings more than 30 years of higher education experience to the state’s educational technology agency MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Network (WVNET) has selected Dr. Carl Powell to serve as its next director. Powell most recently was an independent technology and management consultant and the chief information officer for the Columbus, Ohio, Metropolitan library. Since 2000, Powell has served as vice president and chief information officer at universities in Colorado, Michigan and Ohio. His experience overseeing large higher education I.T. organizations and his ability to understand customer and student needs and the importance of expanded high-speed…

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Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholarship Logo

West Virginia launches newest and most prestigious state college scholarship

November 13, 2019

$40,000 Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars program created to attract math, science teachers CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) recently launched the online application for its newest and most-prestigious state scholarship, which is aimed at addressing critical teacher shortages in math, science, elementary education and special education.  The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program will provide up to $10,000 per year in financial aid to 25 recent high school graduates to encourage them to become outstanding West Virginia public school teachers.  This is the state’s largest-dollar financial aid award and most-prestigious scholarship for undergraduate students, according to Dr.  Sarah…

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Over 450 West Virginia schools registered to participate in “College Application and Exploration Week”

November 1, 2019

“College Application and Exploration Week” helps students explore postsecondary options and careers CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “College Application and Exploration Week” will be celebrated statewide on November 4 – 8. Students, from pre-school to adult learners, will participate in hands-on college planning activities including college application workshops, panel discussions with current college students, college scavenger hunts, and trivia contests. They will also learn about different types of college options available such as certificate programs, career and technical programs, two-year degree programs, four-year degree programs, and military experience. “The path our students take after high school is one of the most important…

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24 high schools recognized for performance guiding students to college

September 27, 2019

Principals, counselors receive state’s first ‘Champion of College Access and Success’ Awards CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Principals, counselors and staff from 24 high schools across West Virginia today are being recognized for their schools’ efforts to make students aware of higher education opportunities after they graduate. The inaugural “Champion of College Access and Success” recognition awards were presented by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to select schools that go the extra mile to help students and their families plan for college.              Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, interim chancellor of the Commission, said staff at every high school in West…

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Higher Education Policy Commission reauthorizes Wheeling University through spring 2020, if school meets conditions and deadlines

August 16, 2019

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today reauthorized Wheeling University to confer degrees through May 22, 2020, conditioned upon providing additional information that assures the school will have adequate financial backing, academic support and leadership in place through the academic year. The vote followed an Aug. 13-14 on-campus evaluation of the university by Commission staff. The Commission twice postponed the annual reauthorization vote after the school declared financial exigency in March, terminated a large number of academic programs and ended its Jesuit affiliation and then placed its president on administrative leave just minutes before the…

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Higher Education Policy Commission reaffirms board leadership

July 1, 2019

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) elected its slate of officers for the next year, selecting Michael J. Farrell as its chairman for his third consecutive term.  At its June 14 meeting, the state’s higher education coordinating board also re-elected Andrew “Drew” Payne as vice chairman and Diana Lewis Jackson as secretary.  The Commission provides analytical and support services to the Executive Branch, Legislature and each of the four-year universities and colleges.  Its staff provides the same services to the West Virginia Community and Technical College System and its two-year institutions. Farrell, a Huntington lawyer…

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W.Va. public colleges and universities have lowest tuition increases in nearly a decade

June 14, 2019

South Charleston, W.Va. – Colleges in West Virginia are keeping college affordable as the lowest tuition increase in nearly a decade was reviewed by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) earlier today.  For the 2019-20 academic year, the average cost of in-state tuition at the four-year institutions will be $7,690, a 2.4 percent increase over last year. “We know the number one reason high school students don’t attend college is concern over the cost.  The four-year public institutions have heard that concern and are trying to address it by keeping their tuition predictable and affordable,” said Dr. Sarah…

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Higher Education Policy Commission awards grants to place health professionals in West Virginia’s most needy areas

June 5, 2019

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today awarded a combined $315,000 to 12 health sciences students from across West Virginia to help pay for their education.  The awards are part of the state’s Health Sciences Service Program. Since its inception, the program has provided $3.1 million in funding to help 229 awardees cover education expenses in exchange for a commitment to practice in a rural or underserved community in West Virginia following their graduation.  These health care professionals practice in places such as community health centers, rural health clinics and long-term care facilities. “The financial…

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Higher Education Policy Commission names interim chancellor

April 26, 2019

Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker to lead both WV HEPC and CTCS organizations SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — During its regularly scheduled meeting today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) named Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, Chancellor of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (CTCS), as interim chancellor of the Commission.  This will be a dual role, and Tucker will continue as the chancellor of the CTCS.  She succeeds Carolyn Long who has served in the role since July 2018. “Chancellor Tucker is uniquely qualified and well positioned to serve in this role,” said Commission Chairman Michael J. Farrell. …

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High schools across the state to celebrate college-bound seniors during annual “College Decision Day” campaign

April 23, 2019

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – High schools across West Virginia will recognize their seniors who have committed to pursuing an education or training beyond high school. More than 50 schools have registered to participate in the College Foundation of West Virginia’s (CFWV’s) annual statewide “College Decision Day” campaign. College Decision Day events provide educators and underclassmen the opportunity to celebrate seniors’ ambitions to continue their education beyond high school. College Decision Day events will happen statewide from April 15 through June 15. Students who have committed to entering a certificate program, a career or technical program, a two- or four-year degree program,…

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W.Va. Higher Education Policy Commission receives ‘A+’ bond rating

April 2, 2019

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – S&P Global Ratings recently affirmed its ‘A+’ long-term and underlying ratings on the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (the Commission) adding, “The outlook is stable.” According to S&P Global Ratings, “The rating reflects our view of the bonds’ strong security pledge, and healthy annual and maximum annual debt service coverage…” The Commission, according to the last audit of June 30, 2018, holds approximately $304.7 million in fixed-rate debt.  HEPC carries the debt on behalf of public colleges and universities.  Taking on the debt as a system provides a cost saving in lower interest rates, ultimately saving…

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More West Virginia students are completing first year of college thanks to text messaging service

April 2, 2019

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Parents might complain about their children’s excessive texting.  But the 1.4 million text messages sent to young West Virginians by the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) are communications they will probably be glad their kids are receiving. The program, Txt 4 Success, works to send timely information regarding state financial aid deadlines and college reminders to high school seniors and college freshmen.  Since its inception, Txt 4 Success has sent out more than 1.4 million texts to subscribers of the service.  Among the results are a 7 percentage point increase in a student more likely to…

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With financial aid deadlines rapidly approaching, W.Va. high school seniors rush to complete FAFSA

March 25, 2019

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – More than half of all high school seniors in the state have taken the first step toward earning a postsecondary degree or certificate by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). “FAFSA is the gateway to federal financial aid resources, but it’s also used in determining eligibility for state and school financial aid,” said Brian Weingart, Senior Director of Financial Aid at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC). While the March 1 deadline to apply for the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship has passed, the April 15 deadline for the West Virginia Higher…

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West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program celebrates 50th anniversary, having awarded nearly $760 million to West Virginia students

January 29, 2019

Presidents, students, alumni and staff members from West Virginia’s public two- and four-year colleges and universities and independent, not-for-profit institutions pose alongside legislators in the Senate and House chambers, respectively.   CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Since 1969, more than 400,000 awards have helped West Virginia students pay their college tuition, thanks to the West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program (WVHEGP). College and university students, faculty and staff from across the state yesterday celebrated the 50th anniversary of this successful grant as part of the annual Higher Education Day at the Legislature. The WVHEGP is a need-based financial aid program designed to ensure West Virginia students with…

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