University Park complex on WVU's Evansdale Campus
Meeting between commencement exercises for the largest December graduating class in West Virginia University’s 150-year history, the Board of Governors received an update on its current master facilities plan Friday (Dec. 15), with a look ahead to a refreshing of the plan through 2022.
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Rob Alsop highlighted accomplishments so far, including new facilities
for the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and
Design and the Statler College of
Engineering and Mineral Resources on the Evansdale campus, as well as improvements
in student housing.
Looking ahead to the
next five years, Alsop said the focus will be on supporting the University’s
three pillars of education, health care and prosperity.
“We need to continue
to improve and develop facilities to make sure we continue to provide
world-class opportunities for our students and faculty,” he said.
Also, Provost Joyce McConnell briefed the board on several issues
regarding higher education, including Congressional tax overhaul efforts as
well as a renewal of the Higher Education Act. On the state level, she relayed
a previous University statement in opposition of expected legislation that
would permit guns to be carried on campus.
She specifically
noted that a proposal that would have taxed graduate student tuition waivers as
income was not in the plan as it was adopted by a conference committee, which
was scheduled to be voted on Friday.
“It’s very important
to our graduate students,” McConnell said. “It’s very important to our research
mission.”
During the meeting,
long-time BOG member Dixie Martinelli announced her resignation. Martinelli, a
38-year WVU Extension Service employee, has served as a staff
representative on the board since 2011. A special election will be held in
January to fill the board seat.
“No one can replace you,” BOG Chairman Tom Flaherty said. “Dixie, we will miss you terribly.”
In other action, the Board:
· Was informed that the current Section of Dermatology had been elevated to a full department, consistent with the approach at most medical schools.
· Received the latest financial report, showing the University’s revenues are on track with budget, although expenses are slightly higher and are being closely monitored.
· Approved a new bachelor’s of science degree in construction management at the West Virginia University Institute of Technology.
· Approved a new master of science degree in business cybersecurity management in the College of Business and Economics.
The Board’s next
scheduled meeting is set for Feb. 16 in Morgantown.
-WVU-
jb/12/15/17
CONTACT: John A.
Bolt; University Relations/Communications
304.283.5520; jabolt@mail.wvu.edu
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