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

Award-winning podcast highlighting West Virginians in healthcare launches third season tomorrow 

September 24, 2024

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission announced today that the third season of Appalachian Care Chronicles– a podcast featuring first-person accounts from healthcare professionals across West Virginia – launches with four new episodes on September 25, 2024. The new episodes, all available tomorrow, feature: “Our goal is to share these stories with anyone who has ever considered a career in healthcare, including young people who are thinking about who they might like to be in the future and those considering a new path,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “By spotlighting…

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West Virginia awards grants to colleges and universities to support first-generation student success

September 17, 2024

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System have awarded First-Generation Student Success Grants to public colleges and universities across the state. These grants, which provide funding up to $5,000, support initiatives aimed at recruiting, retaining, and fostering the success of first-generation college students. First-generation students – the first in their families to pursue higher education – face unique challenges in completing their degrees. But according to FirstGen Forward, those who complete their college education are more likely to secure employment, earn higher wages, and become more civically engaged than their peers…

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West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission announces Campus Mental Health Grants on World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10, 2024

CHARLESTON, WV – In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission announces the recipients of its 2024-25 Campus Mental Health Grants, which aim to address the mental health needs of students at West Virginia’s public colleges and universities.  “Supporting the mental health and well-being of our students is critical to ensuring their academic success and overall development,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “These grants are an important step in addressing the unique mental health challenges that many of our students face. We are proud to support these innovative…

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West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission awards grants to advance behavioral health education and workforce development

August 15, 2024

Charleston, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) is proud to announce a series of grant awards aimed at strengthening the behavioral health workforce across the state. These grants fund a variety of innovative educational initiatives designed to address the critical need for well-trained professionals in behavioral health services, particularly in underserved and rural areas of West Virginia. Funding for these projects totaling $700,000 was made possible by a Congressionally Directed Spending award requested by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito through the U.S. Department of Labor. “I am incredibly grateful to Senators Manchin and…

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State selects 24 students for West Virginia’s prestigious teaching scholarship 

August 1, 2024

Incoming college freshmen will receive $40,000 Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars award  CHARLESTON, WV – Twenty-four high school seniors who graduated this year have been selected as West Virginia’s fifth 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…

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GEAR UP U! takes place at Glenville State University

July 2, 2024

Glenville, W. Va. – More than 150 rising 9th and 10th graders across the state gathered at Glenville State University’s campus from June 26 – 29 for the 2024 GEAR UP U! Summer Academy (GUU!). GUU! is a free college and career preparatory academy hosted by West Virginia GEAR UP and is free for all participants. GUU! is sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s federally funded “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs” (GEAR UP) initiative. During GUU!, students were exposed to life on a college campus. They participated in classes based on career interests, attended…

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West Virginia doubles Higher Education Grant award to $6,800 for college students for upcoming academic year

June 7, 2024

CHARLESTON, WV — The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today voted to strengthen the state’s needs-based Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP), allowing the maximum award amount to double – from $3,400 to $6,800 – for the 2024-25 academic year for eligible students. This one-time increase was made possible by funding proposed by Gov. Jim Justice and approved by the West Virginia Legislature during a recent special session to support students amid ongoing challenges with the federal government’s rollout of a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the key to unlocking funds for college. As a…

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Student leaders from colleges and universities statewide gather for the Student Leadership Conference

May 24, 2024

DAVIS, WV – Student government representatives and advisors from two- and four-year public colleges and universities across West Virginia gathered at Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center for the 18th annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference (WVSLC). The WVSLC serves as a training event for student government representatives, many of whom are newly elected to their roles. During the conference, students learned leadership skills, networked with other student body leaders and higher education administrators, and shared ideas for engaging their campus communities. The event provides workshops on a variety of leadership topics. Student leaders collaborated to find solutions to issues…

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Gov. Justice declares State of Emergency, suspends FAFSA requirement for WV students applying for state financial aid programs for college this year

April 30, 2024

CHARLESTON, WV — Amid ongoing problems with the U.S. Department of Education’s rollout of a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for students applying for financial aid for college this fall, Gov. Jim Justice announced today he has temporarily suspended the requirement for students to complete the FAFSA in order to qualify for the state’s largest financial aid programs. The FAFSA is the key to unlocking financial aid for college, as it determines a student’s financial need. The federal government unveiled a new FAFSA at the beginning of this year, but the move to the new form has…

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Mental Health Loan Repayment Program accepting applications from licensed mental health professionals practicing in West Virginia

April 24, 2024

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is 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. Statewide, 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 for them – and let them know…

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West Virginia higher education community convenes to focus on first-generation student success

April 10, 2024

Charleston, W.Va. –The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Council for Community and Technical College recently hosted the West Virginia First-Generation Student Success Conference at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, drawing representatives from colleges across the state. This event focused on advancing the academic success of first-generation college students. Participants focused on addressing first-generation students’ unique needs, which is paramount to ensuring their success in college and in their careers. Quistis Stanley, a student attending Marshall University, reflected on her experience as a first-generation student on campus, saying, “Being first-gen has helped me find a community within my school…

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West Virginia’s $40,000 teaching scholarship deadline April 8

March 25, 2024

Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars is state’s most-prestigious college award program CHARLESTON, WV – Current high school seniors who are interested in becoming teachers in West Virginia have until April 8 to apply for the state’s newest and most prestigious scholarship, the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program. This scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year – or $40,000 total – for 25 new scholars each year from a national applicant pool. The Underwood-Smith award also can be combined with other federal and state financial aid for which a student qualifies, including the Pell Grant and Promise Scholarship. West Virginia residents who receive the Promise Scholarship as…

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Appalachian Care Chronicles Season 2

Listen to Season 2 of Appalachian Care Chronicles now!

March 4, 2024

In Season 2 Appalachian Care Chronicles, you’ll meet: Brought to you by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and hosted by Aryana Misaghi, a 2023 graduate of Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, the podcast follows a variety of problem-solvers, change makers, and daily helpers—behind the scenes and on the front lines—to shine a light on what they do day-to-day and how they got there. It explores critical moments, both extraordinary and overlooked, within career trajectories that might (sometimes) appear traditional but are often full of twists and surprises.  Fueled by a sense of discovery and purpose,…

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Funding for undergraduate research experiences awarded to colleges and universities statewide

December 13, 2023

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Eight West Virginia institutions received a total of $339,880 in state funding to support undergraduate research on their campuses for the next three years.  The Science, Technology & Research (STaR) division of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) awarded Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) grants to support approximately 120 students seeking substantial, hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research at public and private four-year colleges and universities.    Participating schools include Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Liberty University, West Virginia University, West Virginia State University and West Virginia Wesleyan College as well as first time awardees Fairmont…

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West Virginia Higher Education Chancellor Sarah Tucker named chair of national higher education policy organization

November 21, 2023

Charleston, West Virginia – Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education, has been named State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) Executive Committee Chair. SHEEO, the national association of the chief executives of statewide governing boards and coordinating boards for postsecondary education, works to assist its members and states in developing and sustaining excellent systems of higher education. “It’s with great pleasure we announce Dr. Sarah Tucker as the Executive Committee Chair,” said Dr. Robert Anderson, president of SHEEO. “Dr. Tucker has been a great thought-partner and colleague to SHEEO throughout her tenure in West Virginia. Her depth and…

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West Virginia Celebrates Successful College Application and Exploration Week

November 7, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – More than 400 schools and organizations, from elementary schools to adult learner sites, across West Virginia participated in College Application and Exploration Week (CAEW) from October 30 – November 3rd. This is an annual initiative aimed at providing opportunities for students, educators and community members to explore postsecondary and career pathways, helping to fuel a culture of college readiness across the state. During the week, West Virginia students took field trips to college campuses and participated in workshops on college applications and financial aid, gaining valuable insights into the process of pursuing higher education. School hallways and…

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buffalo high school champions photo

Forty-five high schools across West Virginia recognized for their outstanding efforts to help students plan for college

October 13, 2023

Principals and counselors receive ‘Champion of College Access and Success’ Awards CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Principals, counselors, and staff from 45 high schools across West Virginia were recognized for their schools’ efforts to inform students of higher education opportunities after graduation. The “Champion of College Access and Success” recognition awards are annually presented by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical Education to select schools that go above and beyond to help students and their families plan for college.  Representatives from the Champion schools attended an award ceremony at the Embassy Suites in Charleston,…

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West Virginia’s college scholarship and grant applications now open, FAFSA delayed this year

October 4, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – All of West Virginia’s state financial aid programs are now accepting applications for the 2024-25 academic year, the state higher education office announced today. West Virginia offers more than $100 million annually in financial aid for college. This includes the merit-based Promise Scholarship, needs-based Higher Education Grant, and West Virginia Invests – the state’s tuition-free community college program. “As this year’s high school seniors look to the future, now is the time to start exploring the many financial support programs West Virginia offers them,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “Through our wide selection of…

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Misty Price

Price named Vice Chancellor for Finance and Facilities for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System

September 27, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – Misty Price has been named Vice Chancellor of Finance and Facilities for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System. Price, a Certified Public Accountant, brings over 25 years of experience in public and governmental accounting to the agencies, most recently serving as the Deputy Treasurer of Cash Management for the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office. She also previously served as the Coordinator of School Finance for the West Virginia Department of Education. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be involved with an agency that serves such an important objective,” says…

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Higher Education Policy Commission revokes Alderson Broaddus University’s authorization to award degrees in West Virginia, outlines next steps to support students

July 31, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – During an emergency meeting today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) voted unanimously to revoke Alderson Broaddus University’s authorization to confer degrees in the state effective December 31, 2023. The institution is not permitted to enroll new students beginning with the Fall 2023 semester. However, seniors scheduled to graduate at the end of the fall term may return to complete their degrees on schedule. The Commission took this action after receiving and confirming information that Alderson Broaddus University’s financial condition renders the institution unable to create a stable, effective, and safe learning environment for its…

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Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars 2023 group photo

State selects 27 students for West Virginia’s prestigious teaching scholarship

July 19, 2023

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 fourth 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 Chancellor of…

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Appalachian Care Chronicles

New podcast shares stories of healthcare providers across West Virginia

July 18, 2023

Appalachian Care Chronicles launches with four episodes, available now   CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, with support from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, today launched Appalachian Care Chronicles, a new podcast featuring first-person accounts from healthcare professionals across West Virginia. Hosted by Aryana Misaghi, a 2023 graduate of Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, the podcast follows those working both behind the scenes and on the frontlines, shining a light on the work they do and how they got there. “Our goal is to share these stories with anyone who has ever considered a…

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West Virginia Student Success Summit focuses on career-readiness

July 14, 2023

Charleston, W.Va. – More than 550 educators, counselors and administrators from the pre-school, elementary, secondary and postsecondary education systems; workforce professionals; business and community leaders; military personnel; and students gathered at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in Charleston for the West Virginia Student Success Summit on July 12 and 13, 2023. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, and the West Virginia Department of Education partner together to host the Summit every summer. The theme of this year’s Summit was Creating a Career-Ready West Virginia. The West Virginia Student Success Summit…

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Statement about Alderson Broaddus University provisional reauthorization

July 12, 2023

Charleston, WV – The Higher Education Policy Commission in a special meeting today voted to provisionally reauthorize Alderson Broaddus University through June 30, 2024, with the right to reconsider that provisional reauthorization, at any point, if the institution does not meet the State’s criteria for financial stability. In the interest of student consumer protection, the Commission is requiring that Alderson Broaddus by October 1 have in place plans for teach-out or transfer of currently enrolled students, in addition to ensuring student transcripts and financial aid records are secured with a third-party.  Alderson Broaddus also will be required to provide financial…

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GEAR UP U! takes place at Marshall University

June 26, 2023

Huntington, W. Va. – West Virginia GEAR UP hosted the 2023 GEAR UP U! Summer Academy (GUU!) on the campus of Marshall University. The event was held June 21 – 24 with more than 150 rising 8th and 9th-grade middle school students. Students from across the state gathered at Marshall’s campus for the college and career preparatory academy. GUU! is free for all participants and is sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s federally funded “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)” initiative.  During GUU!, students are exposed to life on a college campus, participate in…

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