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Jessica Tice
304-558-0699
jessica.tice@wvhepc.edu
Report: More Mountain State students pursuing higher education
Braxton, Doddridge and Clay counties lead the way in improving college-going rates Charleston, W.Va. – More West Virginia high school graduates went on to pursue higher education last year, according to a report released today by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and West Virginia Community and Technical College System (CTCS). The college-going rate increased for the second consecutive year, inching up by 0.3 percent — or 266 students — from 2015 to 2016. “These gains, while subtle, represent a solid step in the right direction,” Dr. Paul Hill, HEPC Chancellor, said. “For several years, the impact of…
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May 1 deadline approaching for West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program applications
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS) today reminded students that May 1 is the deadline to apply for the Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP), the state’s need-based financial aid program. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the only application required to be considered for the grant, can be completed at https://fafsa.ed.gov. “We always encourage students to complete the FAFSA to see if they are eligible for this grant program, which helps cover the cost of tuition and fees at two- and four-year colleges and…
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West Virginia University astrophysicist the focus of new documentary
Charleston, W.Va., April 19, 2017 – Early last year, a team of scientists detected gravitational waves in the universe – something that Albert Einstein predicted a hundred years prior in his theory of relativity. Dr. Sean McWilliams, from West Virginia University (WVU), was part of that team and is featured in a new video released by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s (HEPC) Division of Science and Research. In the two-minute video, McWilliams, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy in WVU’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, shares how the detection of gravitational waves heightens scientists’ understanding of…
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High schools across West Virginia to participate in ‘College Decision Day’ events
Schools to celebrate students’ commitment to pursuing higher education CHARLESTON, W.Va. – High schools across West Virginia are hosting celebrations to honor seniors who plan to enroll in college or training programs after graduation. More than 40 schools will participate in the College Foundation of West Virginia’s (CFWV)’s fourth annual College Decision Day campaign. CFWV is a statewide college readiness initiative coordinated by the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS). “Growing our economy will depend on growing the skills and capacity of our workforce,” Dr. Sarah Tucker, Chancellor of the CTCS, said. “Students who commit to pursuing higher…
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West Virginia ‘GEAR UP’ to host Career Academy
More than 1,000 students expected to attend event featuring U.S. Senators, industry leaders, STEM celebrities CHARLESTON, W.VA. — More than 1,000 ninth graders are visiting Charleston this week to explore career fields and gain insight from business and industry leaders. The West Virginia GEAR UP Career Academy, happening Thursday, April 13, at the Charleston Civic Center, will feature hands-on activities and interactive presentations to help students learn about career paths and plan for their futures. The West Virginia GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) initiative is a federally funded grant program administered by the state’s Higher Education Policy…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission approves new president at Glenville State College
Approves extended presidential search procedure for Fairmont State University CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) voted unanimously today to grant final approval of the Glenville State College’s Board of Governors’ recent selection of Dr. Tracy L. Pellett as the institution’s 24th president. “We are eager to work closely with Dr. Pellett as he leads Glenville State College during such an important time for higher education in West Virginia,” said Paul Hill, HEPC Chancellor. “We also thank President Peter Barr for his years of leadership and service to the students and community of Glenville State.” Dr.…
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State extends application deadline for Higher Education Grant Program until May 1
CHARLESTON, W.VA. — West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS) today announced that this year’s application deadline for the need-based Higher Education Grant Program has been extended until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2017. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the only application required for the grant, can be completed at https://fafsa.ed.gov. The state extended the deadline because of a technology issue at the federal level. Last month, the U.S. Department of Education and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced an outage of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which allows…
Continue ReadingChancellor, presidents emphasize need for student-driven decisions amid budget discussions
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As the West Virginia Legislature continues working toward a balanced budget, the state’s regional higher education institutions have joined the Higher Education Policy Commission in emphasizing the importance of keeping the needs of West Virginia students at the forefront of budget and policy decisions. Together, West Virginia’s regional institutions serve more than 15,000 in-state students each year. Statements from Chancellor Hill and Regional Presidents “West Virginia’s economic future hinges on our ability to educate more of our citizens and produce a highly-educated workforce. Public higher education is an investment in our state’s future and the return on…
Continue ReadingState’s higher education community to join forces for Higher Education Day at the Capitol
Charleston, W.Va. – Representatives of higher education institutions from across the state will come together on Wednesday, March 15, for Higher Education Day at the Capitol, an annual event held to recognize West Virginia’s colleges and universities and highlight the far-reaching postsecondary opportunities available across the state. Participating institutions include West Virginia’s public four-year and two-year colleges and universities, along with independent four-year institutions. Each campus will distribute information and have representatives on hand to answer questions. The event is hosted by Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission; Sarah Tucker, Chancellor of the Community and…
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West Virginia scientists present economic and community impact of research
Scientists at colleges and universities from across the state came together yesterday to discuss how their innovative research projects impact West Virginia’s communities and are contributing to economic growth. During the STEM Salon event, hosted by the Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and Research, four scientists gave brief presentations about their work. Representing Marshall University was Dr. Nadja Spitzer who spoke about her research into how exposure to silver nanoparticles could be affecting the brains of children and adults. Spitzer was awarded a prestigious CAREER award from the National Science Foundation for her research. She also spoke about…
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West Virginia GEAR UP launches Student Success Society in area high schools
New program to promote student involvement in school and the community CHARLESTON, W.VA. — Brenda Smith, a counselor at Westside High School in Wyoming County, has been working with students for more than 30 years. Her experience has taught her that when students feel like they are part of something bigger, they are far more likely to succeed. “Especially those students who might otherwise fade into the background,” Smith said. “Maybe they are shy or a little unmotivated. If you can find a way to give them that nudge — to get them involved — you can make…
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The Chronicle of Higher Education: Ikie’s College Dream
How grit, determination, and community support helped one West Virginia student in a dying town that is struggling to come to terms with a coal bust and opioid addiction By Julia Schmalz See the full-size video here The empty coal train creaking its way through Madison, W.Va., captured the attention of residents on the streets of the once-prosperous community. Located in Boone County, the heart of coal country, townspeople hoped it was a sign that a coal mine was reopening — somewhere. Devastated by the opioid epidemic and loss of good-paying jobs, Madison once supported three department stores. But that…
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Higher ed ‘Report Card’: State colleges retaining, graduating more students
Statewide initiatives generating results despite budget challenges CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s state colleges and universities are retaining more students and have generated record numbers of graduates in recent years, thanks to statewide efforts to improve student success. However, continued positive results could be hindered by budget challenges and increased tuition costs, state higher education officials told members of Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability (LOCEA) today. During the meeting, representatives from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Community and Technical College System (CTCS) provided an overview of findings from the annual West Virginia Higher…
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