WVU sets student retention record, BOG approves new AI-focused programs

Ongoing strategic investments in student success at West Virginia University are continuing to show results with the University’s Fall 2024 to Spring 2025 projected first-time freshmen retention rate setting a record of 93.8%.

“A high fall-to-spring retention rate is a good indicator that students are happy with their college experience, are getting the support they need and are more likely to stay enrolled for their sophomore year,” Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider said during Friday’s (April 4) WVU Board of Governors meeting.

Kreider also noted the exceptional fall-to-spring retention rate of 97% in the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, along with an overall rise in first-generation student retention of more than one point.

The Spring 2025 numbers follow a record Fall 2024 for fall-to-fall freshman retention.

“Much of the credit for these overall retention numbers is due to the good work of our dedicated academic advisers and our faculty who are committed to the success of our students, both in and beyond the classroom,” Kreider said.

Student success stories focused on service were highlighted during the annual Student Government Association report given by SGA President and BOG Student Representative Charlie Long.

“The Student Government Association has been able to make campus safer, more connected and more purpose-driven than ever before in the span of just one short year,” Long said.

The Board also heard the annual Classified Staff report from Staff Council Chair and BOG Classified Staff Representative Shirley Robinson. “Working together still works,” Robinson said while reflecting on accomplishments during the past year.

On Friday, several new academic programs were approved, including two in the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics.

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics will focus on identifying how artificial intelligence and data analytics tools are used, developed, deployed, evaluated and maintained in organizations, while the Master of AI Science in Marketing is designed to offer graduate students opportunities to learn how artificial intelligence can be adopted to solve marketing challenges.

“These forward-facing business programs address the rapidly increasing demand for AI-related talents within the workforce,” said Brad Price, chair and associate professor for the Department of Management Information Systems and Supply Chain. “With the additions, WVU is in a position to lead the way in a field that will set trajectories for economies worldwide, while serving our critical land-grant mission and maintaining our place as West Virginia’s business school.”

Additionally, the Board approved the relocation of the WVU Police Department to the Chestnut Ridge Research Building with a target move-in date of Aug. 10.

In a strategic move designed to provide the team with additional space and a more up-to-date setting for officers to work, UPD will occupy several floors in the building that is already home to the Office of Research. After the move is complete, the current UPD location at 992 Elmer Prince Drive will be transferred to WVU Medicine.

Prior to the regular BOG meeting, WVU Potomac State College President Jerry Wallace and WVU Institute of Technology President T. Ramon Stuart provided updates from their respective campuses during a meeting of the BOG Divisional Campus Committee.

View the April 4 BOG regular meeting agenda and meeting materials.

The next regular BOG meeting is scheduled for June 13.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Director of News Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; sjohns13@mail.wvu.edu

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