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James Ikie Brooks

The Chronicle of Higher Education: Ikie’s College Dream

January 12, 2017

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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2016 WV Higher Education Report Card

Higher ed ‘Report Card’: State colleges retaining, graduating more students

January 10, 2017

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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MetroNews: New FAFSA goal set for West Virginia high school seniors

December 12, 2016

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — By April 15, those with the College Foundation of West Virginia want to see the number of 12th graders in the Mountain State completing the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, climb to 60 percent. “We know that the jobs of the state of West Virginia are changing,” said Dr. Paul Hill, chancellor for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, noting that 50 percent of the jobs being created within the state require some for of post-secondary education. “Because our state economy is being driven increasingly more by those who have attained post-secondary education,…

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Education leaders across the state are joining forces to help students improve their financial skills. Pictured (left to right): Dr. Adam S. Green, West Virginia GEAR UP; Dr. Paul L. Hill, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission; Dr. Amelia Courts, The Education Alliance; James “Ikie” Brooks, Marshall University (student); Lesia Sammons, Mingo County Schools; John Perdue, State Treasurer; Christy Scott, West Virginia Bankers Association; Gina Joynes, State Treasurer’s Office; and Vanessa Keadle, West Virginia GEAR UP.

Education leaders launch new “Make Cents WV” partnership to tackle financial literacy

December 8, 2016

Charleston, W.Va. – Education leaders across the state are joining forces to help students improve their financial skills. Earlier today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and The Education Alliance unveiled a new initiative, “Make Cents WV,” to provide financial literacy tools and resources to students, families and educators.  The effort, which is led by The Education Alliance and funded by a grant from the Commission’s federal West Virginia GEAR UP program, will emphasize financial planning within the context of preparing for higher education programs.  “Postsecondary education represents a major investment,” Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the Commission, said. “This effort is…

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Class of 2017 FAFSA Completion Rates by WV County

College Foundation of West Virginia sets goal to increase FAFSA completion rates to 60 percent

December 1, 2016

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) today announced a goal to increase the number of 12th graders who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or “FAFSA,” to 60 percent by April 15. Students planning to attend college during the 2017-18 academic year can complete the FAFSA online now at www.fafsa.gov using their 2015 tax returns. April 15 is the deadline for students to submit the form and be considered for the West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program, which provides grants to students based on their financial need.  This past year (as of November 18), 58.5%…

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W.Va. sees gains in college freshmen enrollment

November 18, 2016

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The number of students entering a four-year college is on the rise in West Virginia, according to information reported during a meeting of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission held earlier today. State officials said the number of freshmen on West Virginia’s public four-year college campuses increased by 3.7 percent from last year.  “These increases are reflective of the strong emphasis the Commission and its partners have placed on college access and success,” Paul Hill, Chancellor of the Commission said. “West Virginia needs more college graduates to meet workforce demands and grow our economy. I…

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W.Va. colleges supporting student veterans through ‘5 Star Challenge’

November 18, 2016

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State officials are applauding West Virginia’s public colleges and universities for stepping up their efforts to support student veterans. During a meeting of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission earlier today, Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the Commission, reported that all of the state’s public higher education institutions have met or exceeded the goals set forth by West Virginia’s 5 Star Challenge initiative.  Launched last year by the Commission’s Office of Veterans Education and Training, the 5 Star Challenge set forth a call to action to institutions to improve educational opportunities for veterans, military service…

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MetroNews: Fifteen to Finish program promotes faster college graduation rates

November 6, 2016

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State junior and Boone County native Taylor Raby is glad she’s able to handle a full-time schedule–something that some students either aren’t able to or choose not to do. “I thought it was really important just to be able to graduate on time,” she said. “I’m actually going to be able to graduate early, hopefully.” The upperclassmen was one of nine students to talk with Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, on Thursday during a sit-down meeting to emphasize the importance of taking at least fifteen credit hours each semester.…

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PHOTO CREDIT: EXPONENT TELEGRAM

Exponent Telegram: Students prepare for college during exploration and application week

November 6, 2016

CLARKSBURG — College Exploration and Application Week is a statewide initiative that provides students the opportunity to learn more about postsecondary options. While not all schools in Harrison County participated, offering guidance to students is a No. 1 concern for junior and senior guidance counselors during this time of year. The effort started in 2010 when the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission found that students had confusion about financial aid and college applications and tended to complete them later in the year, according to Jessica Kennedy, director of communications and outreach. “We wanted to make it a priority for…

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Governor Tomblin: College Application and Exploration Week: West Virginians explore postsecondary options

November 4, 2016

(November 4, 2016) – Today marks the close of West Virginia’s seventh annual “College Application and Exploration Week,” a statewide initiative to help our students evaluate their options to pursue higher education. Students at nearly 450 schools across the state, from preschools to adult learning centers, participated in events that allowed them to begin thinking about and preparing for college. Throughout this week, students worked to discover the type of college best suited for them. Whether a student chooses a community and technical college, a university, a trade school, or military service, what’s most important is that they strive to achieve…

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Register-Herald: WVU study shows increase in college graduates, and graduates who stay and work in W.Va.

November 1, 2016

A new study conducted by West Virginia University for the Higher Education Policy Commission shows that more students are graduating from public higher education institutions and more college graduates are employed in West Virginia. The study, “From Higher Education to Work in West Virginia, 2014” shows that 2,500 more graduates were working in the state in 2014 than in 2013. Researchers attribute the increase in employment to an increase in available graduates for the workforce. “The Commission has led a concerted effort to graduate more students from West Virginia’s colleges and universities since 2013,” said study co-author John Deskins, director of…

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Governor Tomblin proclaims “College Application and Exploration Week”

October 31, 2016

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (October 31, 2016) – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has proclaimed this week as “College Application and Exploration Week” in recognition of the statewide campaign organized by the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV). Staff from nearly 450 schools will host college-planning activities throughout the week to help students consider their postsecondary education opportunities. Students who attend participating schools – from pre-schools to centers for adult learners – will learn the importance of pursuing some form of education or training beyond high school and the types of opportunities that are available in West Virginia, including certificate and technical programs,…

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WVU study: State’s efforts to graduate more college students pays off

October 31, 2016

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A new study shows that a focus on graduating more students from West Virginia’s public higher education institutions is paying off for the state in terms of employment for those graduates. According to the study completed for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission by West Virginia University, 2,500 more graduates were working in West Virginia in 2014 than in 2013. Researchers attribute the increase in employment to an increase in available graduates for the workforce. “The Commission has led a concerted effort to graduate more students from West Virginia’s colleges and universities since 2013,” said study…

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Register-Herald: Job fair to be held Friday in Beaver

October 27, 2016

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is teaming up with big names in West Virginia education to bring a job and resource fair to Raleigh County on Friday. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 28 at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center, which is at 300 University Drive in Beaver. The Erma Byrd Center houses courses from colleges and universities from all over Southern West Virginia. Free classes will be offered, including “How to Market Yourself with a Regents of Bachelor’s Arts Degree” at 11:30 a.m. At noon, attendees will learn to “Create an Online Presence with…

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Gazette-Mail: Mascots dance off during college-going event

October 27, 2016

More than 1,500 ninth grade students participating in the West Virginia GEAR UP program packed into the Clay Center for the Arts for the student leadership academy. The program is a college readiness project coordinated by the state Higher Education Policy Commission and funded by the federal government. It serves students in 10 counties including Fayette, Boone, Mason, Mercer, Mingo, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Wyoming and Wirt. Wednesday’s event featured speakers including Josh Shipp, a nationally renowned youth leadership coach, Paul Hill, chancellor of the state Higher Education Policy Commission, and Sarah Tucker, chancellor of the state Community and Technical College…

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1,500 students to attend ‘GEAR UP’ student leadership academy in Charleston

October 24, 2016

For planning purposes:  When: Wednesday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   What: A leadership academy to inform students of college options and empower them to take charge of their futures. West Virginia GEAR UP will host a leadership academy featuring a presentation from Josh Shipp, a nationally renowned youth leadership coach. Additionally, college mascots from across West Virginia will present dance routines incorporating college information during a “Mascot Mania” dance-off contest.    Agenda: 10 AM: Opening remarks featuring Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and Dr. Sarah Tucker, Chancellor of the West Virginia Community…

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College Foundation of West Virginia to host “FAFSA Friday” events during Kanawha County high school football games

October 6, 2016

For planning purposes: October 6, 2016 Contact: Jessica Kennedy, Director of Communications and Outreach West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (304) 558-0655 jessica.kennedy@wvhepc.edu College Foundation of West Virginia to host “FAFSA Friday” events during Kanawha County high school football games When: Friday, October 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Where: Herbert Hoover High School Football Stadium 5856 Elk River Rd. S. Clendenin, WV 25045 – and – South Charleston High School Football Stadium 1 Eagle Way South Charleston, WV 25309 Who/What: The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) and Kanawha County Schools (KCS) will host “FAFSA Friday” events during…

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Kendyl Ryan

Kendyl Ryan: Push aside fear and pursue your dreams

September 27, 2016

Originally published in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, Daily Mail editorial page. Earlier this week, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin joined leaders across the nation in proclaiming this week “National GEAR UP Week,” highlighting the importance of going to college and encouraging students to pursue their dreams. It’s common knowledge that a high school education simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Going into an interview with a college degree gives the candidate an automatic edge over a candidate with a high school diploma. This is particularly true in West Virginia. According to statistics provided by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, half of…

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Bruce Vandal: WV leads nation in college completion strategies

September 26, 2016

Published in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, Gazette editorial page Last week, faculty and staff from West Virginia’s public colleges and universities set forth on a bold path to dramatically improve college completion rates in the state. The work occurred as part of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Corequisite Academy, a two-day conference held in partnership with Complete College America to help campuses implement a new model for college students deemed to be “underprepared.” Developmental, or remedial, education has long been recognized as a major barrier to student success. For too many students, placement in these classes represents a dead…

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Governor Tomblin declares ‘GEAR UP Week’ in recognition of college readiness program

September 19, 2016

West Virginia GEAR UP helps thousands of students gain education and training beyond high school CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Sept. 19, 2016) – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today proclaimed this week as “GEAR UP Week” to recognize the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative, a program funded by the United States Department of Education to help students pursue and achieve some form of education or training beyond high school. This week has been declared “National GEAR UP Week” by program partners across the country. “GEAR UP is an exemplary program that has had a proven, positive impact…

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West Virginia State University’s research on peppers featured in video series

September 19, 2016

Charleston, W.Va., Sept. 19, 2016 – Research into how peppers can be enhanced for greater nutritional benefit is the focus of a new video released recently by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s (HEPC) Division of Science and Research. Dr. Umesh Reddy and Dr. Padma Nimmakayala describe the work they are doing at West Virginia State University in the two-minute video which is part of an ongoing series about scientists from around the state. Dr. Jan Taylor, Director of the Division of Science and Research said, “Scientific research can lead West Virginia into a new economy, and this begins with…

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Gazette-Mail: Students can apply for PROMISE, other financial aid sooner

September 14, 2016

The application which determines a student’s eligibility for financial aid to go to college and several of the state’s scholarships will be available sooner this year. Instead of waiting until of Jan. 1, 2017, to start the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is a required application that determines a student’s eligibility for financial aid, students will be able to start the application on Oct. 1 this year. Applications for three West Virginia scholarships (the Promise Scholarship; the Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship; and the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship) also will become available at the beginning of October. “We’re hoping…

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Gazette-Mail: Canadian scientist talks crime scene science with sold out Culture Center crowd

September 9, 2016

Jennifer Gardy is a detective, but not the kind you’re imagining. Instead of a pistol and handcuffs, the tools of Gardy’s trade are microscopes and DNA gels. “I’m the microbe detective,” she likes to tell people. Gardy actually is a senior scientist with the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and has an assistant professorship at the University of British Columbia. In her day job, she studies how diseases are spread through the world and tries to track down the next big breakouts before they happen. Sometimes she’s a television show host, too. She is an occasional host of Canada’s…

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WVCTCS: WVCTCS helping ITT Tech students continue their education

September 8, 2016

For Immediate Release: September 8, 2016   Contact: Heather Raines Operations and Communications Coordinator (304) 558-0087 raines@wvctcs.org Huntington, W.Va. – Due to the recent closure of ITT Technical Institute, the West Virginia Community and Technical College System will hold an event for former students on Tuesday, September 13,  at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena & Convention Center from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. BridgeValley Community and Technical College, Mountwest Community and Technical College and Huntington Junior College will be on-site to discuss options with students for continuing their education.   “We are working quickly to find solutions for these students,”…

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W.Va. colleges and universities to implement new model to improve college completion

September 7, 2016

When: 12 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 8  8:15 a.m. to  3 p.m. Friday, September 9  Who/What: The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission will host the first statewide Co-Requisite Academy for faculty and staff from West Virginia’s public four-year colleges and universities. During the academy, campus teams will develop strategies to implement the co-requisite model of developmental course delivery, a method proven to boost college success rates.  Why: Nearly one in four students at West Virginia’s public four-year colleges and universities are required to take developmental English or Math courses due to low scores on college admissions exams or low…

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