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Sarah Armstrong Tucker named Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

June 26, 2020

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – At today’s meeting of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, members voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker as the Commission’s new Chancellor. Tucker was a finalist for the position, along with Dr. Joe Delap, Provost of Athens State University in Alabama, who withdrew his application earlier this week. Tucker has served as Interim Chancellor of the Commission since April 2019 and Chancellor of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (CTCS) since October 2015. She is the first person to simultaneously serve in these two roles, leading both state agencies that guide policies…

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West Virginia awarded $750,000 from Ascendium to increase degree completion, leverage philanthropic collaborations for student success

June 25, 2020

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS), together with Philanthropy West Virginia, today announced that Ascendium Education Group – one of the most active postsecondary education philanthropies in the country – has awarded the state $750,000 to support student success and accelerate degree completion. The West Virginia collaboration is part of Ascendium’s inaugural rural philanthropy grantees. In line with West Virginia’s Climb initiative, which seeks to arm 60 percent of the state’s workforce with a postsecondary credential by 2030, the programming resulting from the Ascendium grant will provide tools and…

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ACT on-campus testing available for 2020 PROMISE Scholarship applicants at institutions statewide

June 24, 2020

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – With national testing dates affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has worked with colleges and universities across the state to make ACT on-campus testing available for this year’s graduating high school seniors who have applied for the PROMISE Scholarship. Applicants can qualify for PROMISE for the fall semester by earning qualifying scores through on-campus testing by the end of September. Students are encouraged to take the test at the college they plan to attend in the 2020-21 academic year. After testing is complete, the administering college will send scores to the…

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Top two finalists announced for next Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

June 17, 2020

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The search committee for the next Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission met today and selected two finalists following a national search and first round of interviews by the committee. The finalists were announced as Dr. Joe Delap, Provost of Athens State University in Alabama; and, the Commission’s current Interim Chancellor and Chancellor of the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker. These candidates will now be invited for interviews with the full Commission, which is scheduled to vote on a new Chancellor at its next regular meeting on…

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Search committee for next Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission selects preliminary finalists

May 28, 2020

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The search committee for the next Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission met today and selected four preliminary finalists from a national search. The candidates, whose names will remain confidential at this time, will be interviewed by the committee via Zoom over the next two weeks. Following these four interviews, two finalists will be invited for interviews with the full Commission and will be announced publicly at that time. Once any additional interviews and background checks are complete, the Commission will vote on a final candidate at its next regular meeting on June 26,…

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West Virginia high schoolers learn how to go to college one text message at a time

May 20, 2020

State higher education office’s college counseling texting program helping 27,000+ students stay on track amid COVID-19 crisis CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As graduating high school seniors wrap up the academic year amid significant changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are looking for ways to stay on track with their education. The “Txt 4 Success” program, an initiative of the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV), Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS), is currently helping more than 27,000 high school seniors and college freshmen do just that with reminders via text message. “There is so…

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College student leaders from across West Virginia share excitement, ideas, concerns about returning to campus this fall

May 14, 2020

CHARLESTON, W.VA. – Approximately 50 student government leaders from colleges and universities across West Virginia gathered virtually today for the West Virginia Student Leadership Conference, which is hosted each year by the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS). Discussions focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their education and how they, through their leadership roles, can help as institutions plan for the fall semester and beyond. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, Interim Chancellor of the Commission and Chancellor of the CTCS, kicked off today’s conference by asking the students to share their experiences…

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Higher Education Policy Commission extends testing deadline to qualify for PROMISE Scholarship due to COVID-19

April 17, 2020

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today voted to provide students with greater flexibilities in qualifying for the PROMISE Scholarship for the 2020-21 academic year. With national ACT and SAT testing currently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students will now be able to qualify for PROMISE for the fall semester by taking an ACT or SAT test by the end of October 2020. In addition, students will be able to use scores from residual tests, which are the same as the national ACT or SAT but administered, scored, and accepted by state colleges. “West…

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West Virginia Nursing Scholarship application opens today for 2020-21 academic year

April 15, 2020

CHARLESTON, W.VA. – 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 now accepting applications for the 2020-21 academic year. The program is administered by the West Virginia Center for Nursing in conjunction with the Higher Education Policy Commission. “West Virginia needs more nurses, and that need is particularly evident right now as our health care workers fight on the front lines of the coronavirus battle across our state,” said Sarah Tucker, Interim Chancellor of the Higher Education…

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State higher education systems provide financial aid flexibilities for students amid ongoing campus changes related to COVID-19

March 20, 2020

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council) today voted to provide students with greater flexibilities in accessing and renewing state financial aid programs. This move comes as higher education institutions across the state continue adjusting methods for course delivery this semester in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in West Virginia, with many transitioning to online or other non-face-to-face methods for their classes. “Our institutions are making proactive and smart changes in the way they deliver instruction to protect West Virginia’s students, campus communities, and…

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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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