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

College Foundation of West Virginia providing college planning help through text messages

January 20, 2016

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Students heading to college this fall can receive deadline reminders and get help completing college-related tasks — all through text messaging.  The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) is offering the service to any West Virginia student considering entering a two-year college, four-year college or career and technical program in the fall of 2016. Participating students will receive a few text messages per month reminding them of upcoming deadlines and providing information about important college-planing tasks such as applying for financial aid, registering for orientation and purchasing text books. Additionally, students can text back anytime they have…

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West Virginia’s higher education community to join forces for Higher Education Day at the Capitol

January 18, 2016

Charleston, W.Va. – Representatives of higher education institutions from across the state will come together on Tuesday, January 19, 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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Chancellor Hill joins students at Preston High School for college & career discussion

December 17, 2015

This week, Chancellor Paul Hill met with a group of juniors and seniors at Preston High School in Kingwood to talk about their plans for life after graduation – if and where they plan to attend college, what career paths they’re considering, and whether financial aid and college access outreach programs are helping them along the way. “These bright students have some incredible aspirations — to be engineers, lawyers, microbiologists and health care providers. I believe they have the drive to reach these goals, and we are working at the state level to ensure they have the support networks they…

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Following record degree production, West Virginia higher education leaders collaborate to ‘Double the Degrees’ by 2025

December 16, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS) today announced a shared statewide goal to “Double the Degrees” produced annually in West Virginia by the year 2025. The announcement comes on the heels of a record number of college degrees – more than 18,000 – awarded by West Virginia’s public colleges and universities in 2014. By increasing the number of high-quality certificates, associate degrees and bachelor degrees earned and awarded each year to 40,000, state higher education leaders say West Virginia will be more strongly positioned to meet…

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West Virginia FAFSA Meter

College Foundation of West Virginia recognizes high schools for meeting FAFSA completion goal

November 30, 2015

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) announced today that 32 high schools in West Virginia met or exceeded the State’s 2015 goal for increasing the number of 12th graders who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or “FAFSA.”  In January, CFWV set a goal of ensuring that at least 60 percent of high school seniors complete the FAFSA, which is the primary application for state and federal financial aid for college, by September 1.  “Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps in pursuing higher education,” Brian Weingart, Senior Director for Financial Aid…

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Higher Education Policy Commission approves new presidents at Marshall, Shepherd and West Liberty universities

November 20, 2015

–New Commissioner Andrew Payne sworn in– Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission voted unanimously today to grant final approval of three presidential selections – Dr. Jerome Gilbert at Marshall University, Dr. Mary Hendrix at Shepherd University and Dr. Stephen Greiner at West Liberty University. “It is certainly uncommon to have three presidential searches underway at the same time, but I am pleased that stakeholders across each campus – boards, faculty, students and staff – were fully engaged in the processes,” said Dr. Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “As an ex-officio member of the search committees, I…

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W.Va. colleges and universities commit to increased support for student veterans

November 4, 2015

All public undergraduate institutions accept ‘5 Star Challenge’ CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s public two-year and four-year colleges and universities are pledging increased support for student veterans during events to be held this week through the State’s ‘5 Star Challenge’ initiative, which launched earlier this fall. The Challenge, which calls on institutions to adopt a set of exemplary standards for supporting student veterans, is a tribute to the military tradition of issuing “challenge coins” to service members who embody the values and standards of their military units. College and university presidents from across West Virginia will participate in ceremonies pledging…

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Chancellor Hill talks college and careers with seniors at St. Albans High School

October 23, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – This week, Chancellor Paul Hill sat down with a group of seniors at St. Albans High School to discuss their goals for life after high school, why college is important for their futures, and how they can succeed in postsecondary education. “These students are engaged and excited about what’s next, and at the same time they have worries and questions about the process,” Chancellor Hill said. “Programs through the Higher Education Policy Commission are here to help students across West Virginia navigate the college-going process. It was great to share these resources directly with the bright young…

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1,300 eighth grade students ‘GEAR UP’ for college

October 22, 2015

West Liberty mascot wins ‘Mascot Mania’ contest CHARLESTON, W.Va. – More than 1,300 eighth graders attended the West Virginia ‘GEAR UP’ Student Leadership Academy held yesterday at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences. ‘GEAR UP,’ which stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs,” is a federally funded college readiness program coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.  During the event, students learned about college options and the importance of developing their leadership skills to take charge of their futures. Kendyl Ryan, a graduate of the West Virginia GEAR UP program, said GEAR UP has taught her to take…

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1,300 students to attend ‘GEAR UP’ student leadership academy in Charleston

October 20, 2015

For Planning Purposes: October 20, 2015 Contact: Jessica Kennedy, Director of Communications and Outreach Division of Student Affairs (304) 558-0655 – office • (304) 532-0911 – cell jessica.kennedy@wvhepc.edu  1,300 students to attend ‘GEAR UP’ student leadership academy in Charleston When: Wednesday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 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 Aric Bostic,  a nationally renowned youth leadership coach. Additionally, college mascots from across West Virginia will present dance routines incorporating college information…

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College Foundation of West Virginia hosting statewide ‘College Application and Exploration Week’

October 19, 2015

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) is coordinating college preparation help at more than 400 sites across the state, with Governor Earl Ray Tomblin officially designating this week as “College Application and Exploration Week.”  Participating schools will host a variety of college-planning activities including college application workshops, classroom lessons focused on college awareness and planning, and panel discussions with current college students and employers.  Students of all ages — from pre-schoolers to adult learners — will learn about the importance of pursuing higher education and the different types of college options available including certificate programs, career and technical programs, two-year degree programs, four-year degree programs…

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Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and Research to host Bill Nye the Science Guy in West Virginia

September 28, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – Bill Nye the Science Guy will be the next featured scientist in the Chancellor’s STEM Speaker Series lineup on November 19, organizers have announced. The series of events is organized by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and Research. Bill Nye has spent most of his life making science and technology entertaining and accessible. Combining his talents as a scientist, inventor, comedian and author, he has attracted adults and children to the wonders of science. Nye’s wit and enthusiasm have helped to garner 18 Emmy awards for his PBS/syndicated series Disney Presents Bill…

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

September 21, 2015

‘West Virginia GEAR UP’ helps thousands of students prepare for higher education programs and training CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has designated this week as “West Virginia GEAR UP Week” to recognize the impact and achievements of the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) effort. GEAR UP is a national grant program funded by the United States Department of Education. Its mission is to help students pursue and achieve some form of education and training beyond high school. This week has been declared “National GEAR UP Week” by program partners across the country. “GEAR UP…

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Employers to meet with college students at Erma Byrd Higher Education Center’s inaugural Career Expo

September 3, 2015

Beaver, W.Va. – The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center, West Virginia’s first public postsecondary education collaborative, will host its inaugural Career Expo in partnership with Bluefield State College, Concord University, Marshall University and New River Community and Technical College on Friday, October 2, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Center in Beaver. Nearly 25 employers and businesses have signed up for the Expo to share information with interested college students, graduates and local residents. Lisa Moten, the Center’s Director, says business community participation continues to grow. “The response from local businesses and service agencies has been overwhelmingly…

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Higher Education Policy Commission statement on WVU Board of Governors’ vote on WVU Tech

September 1, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – Paul L. Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, today released the following statement following approval by the West Virginia University Board of Governors to authorize action to move the WVU Institute of Technology to WVU Beckley by fall 2017. The Policy Commission has a statutory mission to review and vote on program proposals offered by WVU for a new location not presently served by the institution. Statement from Chancellor Hill “The Higher Education Policy Commission’s mission is to make higher education decisions in the best interest of West Virginia’s students. This is upheld in…

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Statewide ‘College Day Tour’ kicks off September 1

September 1, 2015

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Representatives from West Virginia’s colleges and universities will hit the road today as part of West Virginia’s annual “College Day Tour.” During the tour, college admissions and planning counselors, along with military service representatives, will set up displays and host informational workshops in every region of the state. The West Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (WVACRAO) organizes the event and works to ensure that West Virginia’s high school students have an opportunity to get college planning information close to home. Additionally, representatives from the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) attend every event to…

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“5 Star Challenge” emphasizes colleges’ and universities’ commitments to student veterans

August 24, 2015

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Education officials are stepping up their efforts to support the needs of West Virginia’s student veterans. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS) today announced the “5 Star Challenge,” a call to action for the state’s public colleges and universities to adopt a set of exemplary standards that support student veterans and their families. The challenge is a tribute to the military tradition of issuing “challenge coins” to service members who exemplify the values and standards of their military units. Colleges and universities that accept the challenge…

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New study shows federal GEAR UP program steering more West Virginians to college

August 7, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – According to information presented today to the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission, the federal GEAR UP program is achieving its mission in West Virginia. The 2014 High School Senior Opinions Survey revealed that GEAR UP, which helps students in high-need West Virginia counties prepare for higher education, is successfully providing young West Virginians with the tools they need to attend – and succeed – in college. According to the survey conducted in spring 2014 among students at 45 schools, more than seven out of 10 seniors in GEAR UP high schools received direct assistance from college representatives,…

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CFWV Youth Summit

West Virginia student HEROs inspiring their peers to reach higher

August 5, 2015

  “My confidence has absolutely skyrocketed. I know being a HERO is going to be an important part of my life now and I really hope I can take my experience and positively impact other students’ lives. When I return to school, I have every intention to talk to other students and spread the positivity that was spread to me.” – Morgan Hicks, Oak Glen High School   Charleston, W.Va. – Thirty-one students from four high schools in West Virginia – Berkeley Springs, Hedgesville, John Marshall and Oak Glen – participated in last week’s statewide Student Success Summit in Morgantown…

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Governor Tomblin, Congressional delegation announce $20 million scientific research grant

August 3, 2015

State has received more than $60 million in EPSCoR funding since 2001 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, along with Representatives David McKinley, Alex Mooney and Evan Jenkins, today announced the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a highly-competitive $20 million grant to West Virginia’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to boost academic scientific research and upgrade infrastructure at West Virginia University (WVU), Marshall University (MU), West Virginia State University (WVSU) and other state institutions. EPSCoR is facilitated by the state Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and…

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Student Success Summit

Student Success Summit to focus on collaboration among educators and community

July 27, 2015

More than 500 individuals expected to attend the event in Morgantown MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – More than 500 education administrators, teachers, students, military leaders and community group members will join forces this week to find ways to help students prepare for lifelong success. Education representatives ranging from pre-school teachers to college presidents to the students they serve will convene during the fifth annual Student Success Summit (Summit) to be held Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at the Waterfront Hotel and Conference Center in Morgantown. Organizers say the two-day event encourages participants to work together to create a more seamless, life-long education…

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West Virginia hosts U.S. State Department seminar on international education and safety

July 23, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today hosted a national conference sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council focused on international education and safety. Nearly 120 attendees representing more than 60 higher education institutions and organizations nationwide discussed issues related to the health and security of college students, faculty and higher education staff traveling abroad. This event comes as the Commission works to increase the number of West Virginia students going abroad through the statewide “Global West Virginia” initiative. The Commission encourages student participation in International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP), which provide…

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Concord University recognized nationally for ‘GEAR UP’ partnership

July 21, 2015

SAN FRANCISCO, CA. – The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) announced today that Concord University has been named the 2015 national “GEAR UP Community Partner of the Year.” Concord was recognized for its support of the West Virginia GEAR UP program, a federally funded grant program to help students from low-income areas prepare for college. West Virginia GEAR UP serves more than 5,000 students annually in 10 West Virginia counties. The project is coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), which received its second consecutive GEAR UP grant last year.  Dr. Marjie Flanigan, Vice President of Student Affairs at Concord…

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More than 3,200 PROMISE scholars eligible to begin college this fall in West Virginia

July 16, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today announced that more than 3,200 students who graduated from high school this year have been awarded PROMISE Scholarships, annual awards of up to $4,750 they can use beginning this fall toward tuition and fees at colleges and universities in West Virginia. Additional PROMISE Scholarships will be awarded as eligible students are identified through June 2015 ACT and SAT testing scores. “Again this year, the PROMISE Scholarship is making college more accessible and affordable for thousands of West Virginia students,” said Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “Through this merit-based program,…

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W.Va. higher education community joins forces to address campus safety

June 24, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today hosted a statewide Campus Safety Summit focusing on some of higher education’s most challenging issues. More than 140 representatives of the state’s public four- and two- year colleges and universities, along with independent institutions, gathered to discuss awareness, prevention and response surrounding suicide, sexual violence and communicable diseases. “These individuals are on the frontlines at colleges and universities across West Virginia working to not only educate and inspire students – but also to protect those students and everyone on our campuses,” said Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. “These subject…

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