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WV Higher Education Policy Commission approves presidential contract, appoints representative to financial aid advisory board, reauthorizes two institutions
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a special meeting today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission voted to approve the compensation package for Dr. Dianna Phillips, newly appointed interim president at Fairmont State University. Dr. Phillips, who previously served as Fairmont State’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, was appointed as interim president by the institution’s board of governors on July 15. “I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Phillips in this role as we work, collectively as a state, to increase opportunities for our students to succeed in their studies and in their careers,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker,…
Continue ReadingMore than 450 educators, school partners and community leaders convene to focus on student achievement during annual West Virginia Student Success Summit
Charleston, W.Va. – More than 450 West Virginians dedicated to the achievement of the Mountain State’s students gathered this week at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center for the West Virginia Student Success Summit, an annual event hosted in partnership by West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission, Community & Technical College System, and Department of Education. Focusing on this year’s theme, “Framing West Virginia’s Future Together,” school counselors, educators, administrators from pre-school through higher education discussed how to better create seamless, lifelong learning opportunities for the state’s students and prepare them for West Virginia’s future economy. “It is perhaps more…
Continue ReadingState selects 27 students for West Virginia’s prestigious teaching scholarship
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 third 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…
Continue ReadingWV Higher Education Policy Commission approves funding formula rule, streamlines academic program review and institution authorization process
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has approved a new rule for state higher education institution funding and streamlined academic program review and approval rules during its regular meeting. The Series 2 funding rule is the next major step in implementation of a formula for state appropriations for all state colleges and universities. The rule approval represents the culmination of more than three years of collaboration among the Commission, the colleges and universities, and the West Virginia Legislature to develop a funding model that provides a data-informed and objective rationale for annual state appropriations to the…
Continue ReadingStudent leaders from colleges and universities statewide focus on improving campus mental health
DAVIS, WV – More than 50 student leaders representing colleges and universities across West Virginia recently came together at Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center for the annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference (WVSLC) to discuss a variety of issues college students care about, including student mental health. The WVSLC serves as a training event for student government representatives, many of whom are newly elected to their roles. 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.…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia Center for Nursing releases 2021 data as part of efforts to strengthen state’s nursing workforce
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Center for Nursing has released Registered Nurse (RN) and Advanced Practiced Registered Nurse (APRN) supply data for 2021. This information will allow the state to assess the strength of West Virginia’s nursing workforce and inform stakeholders as they continue planning around nursing workforce development. West Virginia currently has 29,817 RNs and 4,692 APRNs licensed in the state (using highest licensure available; APRNs during this award year were also required to hold an RN license). “The Center aggregates these data on a yearly basis and has developed a consistent timeline for its collection and dissemination…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission approves nursing education opportunities resulting from Gov. Justice’s nursing workforce expansion program
HUNTINGTON, WV – During its meeting today on the campus of Marshall University, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) approved a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Concord University, as well as Marshall University’s request to offer the BSN degree on the campus of Glenville State University. These programs are among 27 nursing education programs at colleges, universities, schools of nursing, and career technical education centers across the state that have received a total of $25.5 million through Gov. Jim Justice’s nursing workforce expansion program. “We are tremendously grateful to Gov. Justice for providing this…
Continue ReadingRaleigh County’s Liberty High School receives American College Application Campaign’s School of Excellence Award
CHARLESTON, WV – College for West Virginia (CFWV) announced today that Liberty High School in Raleigh County has been named a recipient of the American College Application Campaign’s 2021 School of Excellence Award. This makes Liberty one of only 19 schools across the nation selected to receive this honor in recognition of their strong commitment to helping students complete their college applications and continue their education. “Our office is so proud to work with high schools across West Virginia, every single day, to help more young people pursue their college and career goals,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia higher education faculty and staff recognized for helping students save nearly $450,000 in textbook costs
CHARLESTON, WV – Three West Virginia higher education employees are being honored for their leadership in implementing Open Educational Resources (OER), which are cost-effective alternatives to traditional textbooks, for their students. In 2021, West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System launched Open Learning WV to provide grants to faculty members at public and private colleges and universities across the state to use OER. Since Spring 2021, nearly 90 faculty have converted more than 100 courses to OER through the initiative, resulting in a savings of nearly $450,000 for 3,000 students. The following faculty members received…
Continue ReadingMore than 70 high schools across West Virginia to celebrate college-bound seniors through “College Decision Day” events
CHARLESTON, WV – More than 70 high schools across West Virginia will recognize seniors who have committed to continuing their education or training after graduation through “College Decision Day” events, which will run from April until June. This campaign, coordinated annually through College for West Virginia (CFWV), provides schools with the opportunity to celebrate students who have committed to entering a certificate program, a career or technical program, a two- or four-year degree program, an apprenticeship program or military service. “Every year through College Decision Day events, we have the opportunity to celebrate students who have made the life-changing commitment…
Continue ReadingCollege student leaders across West Virginia launch Green Bandana Initiative to create greater visibility for student mental health
CHARLESTON, WV – West Virginia’s Advisory Council of Students (ACS), which comprises student government representatives from each of the state’s public colleges and universities, has launched the West Virginia Green Bandana Initiative, which is shining a brighter light on student mental health on campuses statewide. Through the initiative, students who complete mental health training this spring receive green bandanas that, when displayed on their backpacks or elsewhere, signal to other students that they are open to talking and are a source of support. According to a recent national survey, two-thirds (67 percent) of college students say that they have faced…
Continue ReadingStudent leaders from high schools and colleges kick off second year of the West Virginia Student Success Leadership Council
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Student Success Leadership Council (WVSSLC) kicked off its second year in a virtual conference last week attended by 55 student leaders representing 49 high schools and six colleges and universities across the state. The WVSSLC, an initiative of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, and West Virginia Department of Education, is driven by its student members, who work together to help create a college-going culture in their schools and communities. Through a virtual roundtable atmosphere, students talk about how they can help more of their…
Continue ReadingTeams from George Washington High School and Sherman High School advance in final WV Academic Showdown regional competition at West Virginia State University
INSTITUTE, WV – Teams from George Washington High School and Sherman High School took first and second place honors (respectively) at the final West Virginia Academic Showdown regional competition, which was hosted today by West Virginia State University. These teams have qualified for the statewide championship in Charleston on March 25. Nine teams from Charleston Catholic High School, George Washington High School, Nitro High School, Riverside High School, Sherman High School and South Charleston High School competed today. “I’m very grateful that George Washington has been able to maintain a quiz bowl team for four years. I’m happy with the performance of this…
Continue ReadingPromise Scholarship eligibility requirements adjusted for high school graduating classes of 2022 and 2023
CHARLESTON, WV – To help more students qualify for the West Virginia Promise Scholarship, the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission has approved temporary changes to the merit-based scholarship program for the high school graduating classes of 2022 and 2023. These adjustments come as students continue working academically to overcome challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. For students in the high school graduating classes of 2022 and 2023, the test score requirements to qualify for Promise are as follows: ACT composite score – 21 (regularly 22); ACT English score – 19 (regularly 20); ACT Reading score – 19 (regularly 20); ACT…
Continue ReadingTeams from Greenbrier East High School and PikeView High School advance in WV Academic Showdown competition hosted by Concord University
ATHENS, WV – Teams from Greenbrier East High School and PikeView High School took first and second place honors (respectively) at today’s West Virginia Academic Showdown competition hosted by Concord University. These teams have qualified for the statewide championship in Charleston on March 25. Two teams from Greenbrier East and one team from PikeView participated in today’s competition. “This has been an exciting experience for me and my team,” said Jason Ream of Greenbrier East High School. “I really want to thank our coaches for preparing us for the competition.” “It’s great to represent my school and county,” said Samuel Chambers…
Continue ReadingTeams from Berkeley Springs High School and Spring Mills High School advance in WV Academic Showdown competition hosted by Shepherd University
CHARLESTON, WV – Teams from Berkeley Springs High School and Spring Mills High School took first and second place honors, respectively, at the second West Virginia Academic Showdown competition hosted by Shepherd University today. These two teams have qualified for the statewide championship in Charleston on March 25. “The validation is overwhelming,” said Matthew Leasure, team captain from Berkeley Springs High School. “I’m sure it’s going to mean the world to our high school because we don’t have many academic opportunities like this, so I’m sure that we’ll make Morgan County proud at states.” “This is our first time competing, and…
Continue ReadingTeams from Tug Valley High School and Ripley High School advance in first WV Academic Showdown Competition hosted by Marshall University
CHARLESTON, WV – Teams from Tug Valley High School and Ripley High School took first and second place honors, respectively, at the first West Virginia Academic Showdown competition hosted by Marshall University today. These two teams have qualified for the statewide championship in Charleston on March 25. Additional teams competing today were Logan Senior High School, Spring Valley High School, and Wayne High School. “I’m definitely excited about going to Charleston and having the opportunity to compete in an academic competition,” said Cassidy Griffey, team captain from Tug Valley High School. “Today was really exciting for me and for Tug Valley…
Continue ReadingAcademic Showdown brings scholarly competition to the Mountain State
CHARLESTON, WV – A new academic competition for West Virginia high school students will bring teams together from across the state for regional matchups. West Virginia Senate President Craig Blair, State Board of Education President Miller Hall, State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch and West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education Sarah Armstrong Tucker announced the new Academic Showdown during a press conference at the State Capitol today. The West Virginia Academic Showdown is a head-to-head competition between West Virginia high school teams, and a partnership among the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission,…
Continue ReadingMental Health Loan Repayment Program accepting applications from licensed mental health professionals practicing in West Virginia
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is now accepting applications for the Mental Health Loan Repayment Program, which provides loan repayment for licensed mental health professionals practicing in underserved communities in West Virginia. “Mental health providers across our state provide a truly invaluable service to West Virginians living in underserved areas. Perhaps more than ever before, we need as many committed counselors, social workers, and therapists as possible continuing to work in our communities” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “Through this loan repayment program, we can ease a financial burden…
Continue ReadingDeadline approaching for high school seniors interested in becoming WV teachers to apply for $40,000 scholarship
CHARLESTON, WV – Current high school seniors who are interested in becoming teachers in West Virginia have until December 31 of this year to apply for the state’s newest and most prestigious scholarship, the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program. This scholarship, now entering its third year, provides up to $10,000 per year – or $40,000 total – for 25 new scholars each year from a national applicant pool. “Teaching is one of the most important and rewarding careers a student can choose to pursue. Our Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars represent West Virginia’s most promising future teachers, and we’re ready to welcome even…
Continue ReadingNew program offering alternatives to textbooks saves West Virginia college students $250,000 in pilot semesters
CHARLESTON, WV – Earlier this year, West Virginia’s public higher education office launched a program, Open Learning WV, that gives faculty the opportunity to implement Open Educational Resources (OER) as alternatives to traditional textbooks for their students. When the program was piloted in the spring 2021 semester, 34 faculty members created or adopted OER, and a handful more faculty adopted OER over the summer – resulting in more than $250,000 in savings for approximately 1,200 students. “Going to college in West Virginia remains incredibly affordable thanks to our state financial aid programs, but something like costly textbooks can result in…
Continue ReadingProfessor Stephen Criniti named West Virginia’s Professor of the Year
CHARLESTON, WV – At the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s meeting last Friday, Chancellor Sarah Armstrong Tucker – who also serves on the board of the Faculty Merit Foundation – announced that Stephen F. Criniti, Ph.D., Professor of English at West Liberty University, has been named the 2020 Professor of the Year. “Thank you for naming me Professor of the Year,” Dr. Criniti said. “I’m humbled that you’ve allowed me to be counted among the many excellent professors who have received or have been nominated for this honor. I am grateful to Dr. Sylvia Senften and Dr. Jeremy Larance…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission revokes Ohio Valley University’s authorization to confer degrees, approves master’s degree programs at Glenville State College and Bluefield State College
CHARLESTON, WV – During its meeting today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) voted unanimously to revoke Ohio Valley University’s (OVU) authorization to confer degrees in the state beginning on June 30, 2022. This timeline will allow OVU to teach out students planning to graduate this spring. No enrollment of other students will be permitted in the spring. Ohio Valley University scheduled a transfer fair on campus today for students to support them in their next steps. “Our foremost priority right now is to help these students, however we can, as they approach the end of this semester,”…
Continue ReadingOver 400 West Virginia schools to participate in statewide “College Application and Exploration Week”
CHARLESTON, WV – “College Application and Exploration Week” will be celebrated statewide on Nov. 1 – 5. Students, from pre-school to adult learners, will participate in hands-on and virtual college planning activities, such as college application workshops, panel discussions with current college students, college scavenger hunts, and trivia contests. Through all of the activities, they will learn about the many college options available to them, including certificate programs, career and technical programs, two-year degree programs, four-year degree programs, and military experience. Events will occur throughout the week at more than 400 elementary, middle and high schools, along with adult education…
Continue ReadingColleges and universities across West Virginia to celebrate successes of first-generation students on November 8
CHARLESTON, WV – College for West Virginia (CFWV) is joining a national effort to celebrate the successes and contributions of first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni in West Virginia. On November 8, colleges, universities, campus student support programs, and other partners will celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni across the state. Celebrations will include campus events featuring notable first-generation alumni, highlights of first-generation students and programs, first-generation faculty discussions in classrooms, workshops that help promote student success and retention, and much more. “First-generation college students and graduates are trailblazers in West Virginia,” said Dr.…
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