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Media Contact

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

Appalachian Care Chronicles Season 2

Listen to Season 2 of Appalachian Care Chronicles now!

March 4, 2024

In Season 2 Appalachian Care Chronicles, you’ll meet: Brought to you by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and hosted by Aryana Misaghi, a 2023 graduate of Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, the podcast follows a variety of problem-solvers, change makers, and daily helpers—behind the scenes and on the front lines—to shine a light on what they do day-to-day and how they got there. It explores critical moments, both extraordinary and overlooked, within career trajectories that might (sometimes) appear traditional but are often full of twists and surprises.  Fueled by a sense of discovery and purpose,…

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Funding for undergraduate research experiences awarded to colleges and universities statewide

December 13, 2023

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Eight West Virginia institutions received a total of $339,880 in state funding to support undergraduate research on their campuses for the next three years.  The Science, Technology & Research (STaR) division of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) awarded Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) grants to support approximately 120 students seeking substantial, hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research at public and private four-year colleges and universities.    Participating schools include Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Liberty University, West Virginia University, West Virginia State University and West Virginia Wesleyan College as well as first time awardees Fairmont…

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West Virginia Higher Education Chancellor Sarah Tucker named chair of national higher education policy organization

November 21, 2023

Charleston, West Virginia – Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education, has been named State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) Executive Committee Chair. SHEEO, the national association of the chief executives of statewide governing boards and coordinating boards for postsecondary education, works to assist its members and states in developing and sustaining excellent systems of higher education. “It’s with great pleasure we announce Dr. Sarah Tucker as the Executive Committee Chair,” said Dr. Robert Anderson, president of SHEEO. “Dr. Tucker has been a great thought-partner and colleague to SHEEO throughout her tenure in West Virginia. Her depth and…

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buffalo high school champions photo

Forty-five high schools across West Virginia recognized for their outstanding efforts to help students plan for college

October 13, 2023

Principals and counselors receive ‘Champion of College Access and Success’ Awards CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Principals, counselors, and staff from 45 high schools across West Virginia were recognized for their schools’ efforts to inform students of higher education opportunities after graduation. The “Champion of College Access and Success” recognition awards are annually presented by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical Education to select schools that go above and beyond to help students and their families plan for college.  Representatives from the Champion schools attended an award ceremony at the Embassy Suites in Charleston,…

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West Virginia’s college scholarship and grant applications now open, FAFSA delayed this year

October 4, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – All of West Virginia’s state financial aid programs are now accepting applications for the 2024-25 academic year, the state higher education office announced today. West Virginia offers more than $100 million annually in financial aid for college. This includes the merit-based Promise Scholarship, needs-based Higher Education Grant, and West Virginia Invests – the state’s tuition-free community college program. “As this year’s high school seniors look to the future, now is the time to start exploring the many financial support programs West Virginia offers them,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “Through our wide selection of…

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Misty Price

Price named Vice Chancellor for Finance and Facilities for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System

September 27, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – Misty Price has been named Vice Chancellor of Finance and Facilities for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System. Price, a Certified Public Accountant, brings over 25 years of experience in public and governmental accounting to the agencies, most recently serving as the Deputy Treasurer of Cash Management for the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office. She also previously served as the Coordinator of School Finance for the West Virginia Department of Education. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be involved with an agency that serves such an important objective,” says…

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Higher Education Policy Commission revokes Alderson Broaddus University’s authorization to award degrees in West Virginia, outlines next steps to support students

July 31, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – During an emergency meeting today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) voted unanimously to revoke Alderson Broaddus University’s authorization to confer degrees in the state effective December 31, 2023. The institution is not permitted to enroll new students beginning with the Fall 2023 semester. However, seniors scheduled to graduate at the end of the fall term may return to complete their degrees on schedule. The Commission took this action after receiving and confirming information that Alderson Broaddus University’s financial condition renders the institution unable to create a stable, effective, and safe learning environment for its…

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Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars 2023 group photo

State selects 27 students for West Virginia’s prestigious teaching scholarship

July 19, 2023

Incoming college freshmen will receive $40,000 Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars award CHARLESTON, WV – Twenty-seven high school seniors who graduated this year have been selected as West Virginia’s fourth cohort of Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars. These students will receive the state’s newest and most prestigious scholarship of up to $10,000 per year – or $40,000 total – for their college education as they prepare to pursue rewarding careers as West Virginia teachers. “I’m incredibly proud of these young scholars, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish over the next four years and beyond,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of…

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West Virginia Student Success Summit focuses on career-readiness

July 14, 2023

Charleston, W.Va. – More than 550 educators, counselors and administrators from the pre-school, elementary, secondary and postsecondary education systems; workforce professionals; business and community leaders; military personnel; and students gathered at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in Charleston for the West Virginia Student Success Summit on July 12 and 13, 2023. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, and the West Virginia Department of Education partner together to host the Summit every summer. The theme of this year’s Summit was Creating a Career-Ready West Virginia. The West Virginia Student Success Summit…

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Statement about Alderson Broaddus University provisional reauthorization

July 12, 2023

Charleston, WV – The Higher Education Policy Commission in a special meeting today voted to provisionally reauthorize Alderson Broaddus University through June 30, 2024, with the right to reconsider that provisional reauthorization, at any point, if the institution does not meet the State’s criteria for financial stability. In the interest of student consumer protection, the Commission is requiring that Alderson Broaddus by October 1 have in place plans for teach-out or transfer of currently enrolled students, in addition to ensuring student transcripts and financial aid records are secured with a third-party.  Alderson Broaddus also will be required to provide financial…

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GEAR UP U! takes place at Marshall University

June 26, 2023

Huntington, W. Va. – West Virginia GEAR UP hosted the 2023 GEAR UP U! Summer Academy (GUU!) on the campus of Marshall University. The event was held June 21 – 24 with more than 150 rising 8th and 9th-grade middle school students. Students from across the state gathered at Marshall’s campus for the college and career preparatory academy. GUU! is free for all participants and is sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s federally funded “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)” initiative.  During GUU!, students are exposed to life on a college campus, participate in…

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Student leaders from colleges and universities statewide come together for the Student Leadership Conference

May 25, 2023

DAVIS, WV – Fifty student government representatives from thirteen two- and four-year colleges across West Virginia gathered at Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center for the 18th annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference (WVSLC). The WVSLC serves as a training event for student government representatives, many of whom are newly elected to their roles. During the conference, students learned leadership skills, networked with other student body leaders, and shared ideas for engaging their campus communities.  The event provides workshops on a variety of leadership topics and an opportunity for student leaders to exchange ideas and work together to find solutions to issues that are important to them and the students on their…

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West Virginia celebrates nursing scholars, highlights nursing workforce growth during National Nurses Week

May 10, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – West Virginia’s higher education office is celebrating nursing scholarship recipients, education opportunities and recent workforce growth during National Nurses Week, which runs through Friday, May 12, 2023. The West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program, which provides awards to Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Registered Nursing (RN), graduate and LPN teaching certificate students in exchange for service in West Virginia, is accepting applications until June 1 for the 2023-24 academic year. The program is administered by the West Virginia Center for Nursing in conjunction with the Higher Education Policy Commission. “I am grateful for the West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program and…

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West Virginia awarded $20 million in scientific research funding from National Science Foundation

May 8, 2023

West Virginia has received more than $105 million in EPSCoR funding and co-funding since 2001 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia has been awarded a highly competitive, five-year $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) that will boost academic scientific research and upgrade infrastructure at West Virginia University (WVU), Marshall University (MU), West Virginia State University (WVSU) and Shepherd University. EPSCoR is facilitated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science, Technology & Research (STaR).  This funding establishes the WV Network for Functional Neuroscience and Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT), a statewide…

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Nationally recognized LEGO learning and educational technology experts headline West Virginia Statewide Technology Conference

April 18, 2023

Annual event returns to Morgantown in July  MORGANTOWN, W.VA. – A leader at incorporating LEGO blocks into “STEAM” education and a nationally recognized higher education technology expert are slated as keynote speakers for the West Virginia Statewide Technology Conference set for July 19-21, 2023, in Morgantown.  Dr. Leanna Prater, Senior Professional Learning Manager at LEGO Education, and Derek Bruff, Ph.D., educator, author, and higher ed consultant, will be keynote speakers at the July 19-21, 2023, conference in Morgantown, W.Va. Dr. Prater brings a wealth of experience to the field of education, having worked as an elementary school teacher, district technology…

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Ravenswood High School wins American College Application Campaign School of Excellence Award

April 14, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – Ravenswood High School is a recipient of ACT’s American College Application Campaign (ACAC) School of Excellence Award for their commitment to postsecondary student success. ACAC is a national effort to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential. Twenty-three schools from across the nation were selected for this award based on their demonstrated commitment to student success and for serving as exemplary models for their state’s college application campaign. Collaborators from all fifty states and the District of Columbia submit recommendations for School of…

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April 15 deadline for Higher Education Grant Program approaching; award amount increased for next year

April 5, 2023

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System remind students that April 15 is the deadline to apply for the Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP), the state’s need-based financial aid program. The Commission recently voted to increase the award, which helps cover the cost of tuition and fees at two- and four-year colleges and universities, to $3,300 for the 2023-24 school year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the only application required to be considered for the grant, can be completed online at fafsa.gov. “The Higher Education Grant is a lifeline…

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Morgantown High School Team 1 is the 2023 Academic Showdown Grand Champion.

Morgantown High School Team 1 Named 2023 Academic Showdown Grand Champion

April 3, 2023

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is pleased to announce Morgantown High School Team 1, Monongalia County, as the 2023 West Virginia Academic Showdown grand champion following the finale at the West Virginia Culture Center today. Morgantown High School Team 1 was among 10 teams representing five regional competition winners in the second year of the high school scholastic competition. George Washington High School, Kanawha County, earned runner-up. Over the past three months, 71 teams from 40 high schools representing 26 counties competed in this academic head-to-head competition which tested students’ knowledge in subjects including math,…

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West Virginia’s first dual enrollment program to help thousands more high school students take college courses that lead to in-demand careers

West Virginia’s first dual enrollment program to help thousands more high school students take college courses that lead to in-demand careers

March 21, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Legislature has adopted and Gov. Jim Justice has signed legislation establishing West Virginia’s first statewide dual enrollment program to allow more students to take college courses in high school. Through House Bill 2005, West Virginia’s higher education system will launch a pilot program this fall that will cover the costs of dual enrollment courses offered by the state’s colleges and universities that are tied to some of West Virginia’s most in-demand careers. “Prior to this legislation, what we have had is a system that favors our highest achieving, highest performing students – those who…

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Second Annual Academic Showdown
Brackets Set For Competition

March 14, 2023

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In the spirit of March Madness, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is pleased to announce the 2023 Academic Showdown finale bracket selection. The live online drawing gave teams their first look at the first round match-ups. The Academic Showdown finale is scheduled for March 31, 2023, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston with matches beginning at 9 a.m. Below are the results of the bracket selection: Match 1: James Monroe High School vs. Winfield High School Match 2: Morgantown High School Team 1 vs. George Washington High School Match 3: Spring Mills High…

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West Virginia’s Promise scholars will earn more money for college next year; deadline to apply is May 1

West Virginia’s Promise scholars will earn more money for college next year; deadline to apply is May 1

March 8, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – In a special meeting today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission voted to extend the deadline for current high school seniors to apply for the Promise Scholarship until May 1, 2023. The Commission also approved increasing the award amount for the 2023-24 academic year to $5,200, up from the previous amount of $5,000 annually. “Our high school seniors have been working so hard to stay on track for their futures, and we want to give them every opportunity to access the support they need to continue their education after they graduate,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker,…

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George Washington High School Team 1 won first place in the West Virginia State University regional of the 2023 Academic Showdown.

Academic Showdown West Virginia State University Regional Winners Announced

February 27, 2023

Institute, W.Va. – Two teams have advanced out of the final regional of the 2023 Academic Showdown. George Washington High School Team 1, Kanawha County, earned first place; and Wheeling Park High School Team 1, Ohio County, earned second place today during the competition at West Virginia State University in Institute, West Virginia. Both have earned a spot in the finale on March 31, 2023, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The Showdown is an academic head-to-head competition testing students’ knowledge in subject areas including math, history, sports, fine arts and more. Students in grades 9 -12 may participate,…

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Academic Showdown Concord University Regional Winners Announced

February 21, 2023

Athens, W.Va. – Two teams have advanced out of the fourth regional of the 2023 Academic Showdown. James Monroe High School Team 1, Monroe County, earned first place; and Ripley High School Team 1, Jackson County, earned second place today during the competition at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. Both have earned a spot in the finale on March 31, 2023, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The Showdown is an academic head-to-head competition testing students’ knowledge in subject areas including math, history, sports, fine arts and more. Students in grades 9 -12 may participate, and schools may…

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Mother and daughter smiling while looking at laptop with text: March 1 deadline approaching for West Virginia high school seniors to apply for the Promise Scholarship

March 1 deadline approaching for West Virginia high school seniors to apply for the Promise Scholarship

January 23, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – High school seniors in the class of 2023 planning to apply for West Virginia’s Promise Scholarship have until March 1 to complete both the Promise application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through Promise, qualifying high school graduates receive annual awards of up to $5,000 to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at West Virginia colleges and universities. “We are encouraging West Virginia’s current high school seniors to fill out the FAFSA to see what kind of financial aid they’re eligible for, and to complete the Promise application as soon as possible,”…

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Berkeley Springs High School Team 1

Academic Showdown Shepherd Regional Winners Announced

January 21, 2023

Shepherdstown, W.Va. – Two teams have advanced out of the second regional of the 2023 Academic Showdown. Berkeley Springs High School Team 1, Morgan County, earned first place; Spring Mills High School Team 1, Berkeley County, earned second place today during the competition at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Both have earned a spot in the finale on March 31, 2023, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The Showdown is an academic head-to-head competition testing students’ knowledge in subject areas including math, history, sports, fine arts and more. Students in grades 9 -12 may participate, and schools may…

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