Provost

An experienced academic leader and patent law expert has been selected as the next William J. Maier, Jr. Dean of the West Virginia University College of Law.

The most recent Clery Act report for West Virginia University shows instances of robbery decreased in 2019 compared to the previous year, reported burglaries remain flat and an uptick in arrests for liquor law and drug abuse violations, as well as an increase in reported rape and fondling offenses.

Not only do West Virginia University’s newest graduates have much to celebrate in a year that defied traditions and norms, as they enter the next phase of their lives, they are drawing strength from being tested and are instilled with the most critical skills for succeeding in the 21st century: adaptability, resilience and purpose.

West Virginia University President Gordon Gee called for transformation during Friday’s (Dec. 18) Board of Governors meeting, warning that across the country there is a loss of public trust and the perceived value of higher education has diminished.

As the fictional Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles roam sewers to fight their archenemy Shredder and his goons, a team of real-life West Virginia University superhero scientists lurk around the portals to the underground land of drainage and waste to battle a more sinister villain: COVID-19.

Bringing together families, friends and fellow classmates from across the country and around the world to celebrate the August and December Classes of 2020, West Virginia University will host 14 online commencement ceremonies for the 2,680 graduates on Saturday, Dec.19.

West Virginia University doctoral candidates will have a new opportunity to gain teaching experience at the college level through a new partnership with West Virginia Wesleyan College starting in January 2021.

West Virginia University President Gordon Gee told Board of Governors members that during the COVID-19 crisis he is “proud that we have retained our laser-like focus on the pillars of our land-grant mission – education, healthcare and prosperity in West Virginia.”

West Virginia University will offer additional in-person and hybrid classes during the spring 2021 semester, which will begin on January 19. The University will continue its strategy from the fall of reducing some classroom density and moving others online to slow the spread of COVID-19. As with this fall, the University will continually monitor the local public health situation and adjust as necessary.

West Virginia University is moving forward with recommendations to address critical and long-standing issues related to racism and inequality on its campuses.