WVU at Parkersburg
Board of Advisors
February 12, 2007
The meeting was called to order by Board of Advisors Chairperson, Linda Dickirson. Those present were: Linda Dickirson, Jackson County Representative; James Hayhurst, Jr. Executive Vice President United National Bank; Joe Campbell, Senior Vice President Wes Banco; Tony Playtis, Environmental Health Coordinator E.I. Dupont; Robert D’Avria, Consultant YMCA of the USA; William Niday, Superintendent Wood County Schools; Ed Crisp, Faculty Representative; Joyce Okes, Program Coordinator Workforce Investment; Jim Mylott, Executive Director Mid Ohio Valley Regional Council; George Kellenberger, Chamber of Commerce President; Gregory Smith, President Blue Cross/Blue Shield; Violet Mosser, Staff Representative; David Cumberledge, Student Representative; Marie Foster Gnage, President WVU Parkersburg, and Patsy Bee Executive Secretary to the President.
Absent were: Trudy Seita, Consultant/Trainer, Motivation & Volunteerism; and Curtis Miller, President Curtis Miller Insurance Agency, Inc.
Call to Order
Mrs. Dickirson called the meeting to order and presented the agenda.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Board meeting held on November 13, 2006 was approved upon a motion by Mr. Mylott and second by Mr. Smith.
Chairman’s Report
Mrs. Dickirson reported on the WVU Board of Governors meeting and noted that President Gnage was recognized for her excellent report and leadership at WVU Parkersburg. She also reported on the meetings she has attending at WVUP regarding the potential funding of the Child Development Center, and the Power of the Purse Tea that she recently attended. Mrs. Dickirson also introduced the new Human Resources Director, Peggy Jameson, to the Board members.
President’s Report
President Gnage provided an overview of the WVU Parkersburg annual report that she presented to the WVU Board of Governors on February 9, 2007. (See attached.) Included in this report was an update on the Strategic Plan Goals as follows:
Recruitment and Retention of Faculty and Staff
• Improvement of faculty and staff work spaces
• Professional development opportunities for faculty and staff
• SBR Grant used to support recruitment and retention of faculty
• NISOD recognition of four faculty members
• Professor of Psychology selected as one of three finalists for the WV Professor of the Year
• Salary increases
Enrollment Management
• Completed Enrollment Management Plan
• 2% increase in headcount—continuing a five-year trend
• Spring 2006 was the highest full-time enrollment in college’s 45 year history.
• Largest enrollment since becoming a regional campus in fall 2006
• Corporate and Community Education increasing professional and personal enrichment programming
• Business and Economics Division: Bachelor’s of Applied Science Degree
• Health Sciences: LPN program on campus; development of CNA program, funding for MRI program, renovation and expansion of Nursing Lab
• Technology Division: College’s Cisco Academy recognized nationally for creating academic reach and building bridges for students to pursue degrees in information technology.
• CCE: career academics for high school students
Technology
• Email for students
• Increase in on-line enrollment
• Increase in support services for faculty, staff and students
• Software purchases to support academic services
• Smart classrooms
• Increase in online course offerings
• Collaboration agreement with WVUOIT
Environment
• Development of Safety Plan
• Classroom Tower project and campus enhancements, including a campus emergency paging system; faculty and staff offices
• Planned Projects: Child Development Center, Applied Technology Center, expansion of Jackson County Center, renovation of science labs, Criminal Justice Lab, classroom renovations
• Completion of new nursing lab
• Landscaping enhancements
Resource Development
• Increase in tuition
• Continuing partnerships for leverage
• Continuing grant applications (state and federal)
• Issues:
– Second lowest in state appropriation funding per student
– Dependent upon peer equity for increase in state funding
– Dependent on tuition increases for support of salary increases
As part of President Gnage’s report, she asked Dr. Cindy Kelley to provide an overview of the Education Division for the Board members. Dr. Kelley’s presentation included a history of the Education Division noting that the program was established at WVU Parkersburg in 1991 to provide K-8 certification with three faculty members and 30 students. The program was approved by the WV Department of Education in 1992, and the first graduating class was in 1993. Today the division offers four endorsements in science, math, English and social studies. In addition to their Baccalaureate program they offer the Associate in Applied Science for Early Childhood Education, paraprofessional studies option, and paraprofessional certificate which is the only State Board of Education approved certificate in West Virginia. There are currently 380 students enrolled in the program, and seven full-time faculty. They have three smart classrooms and Center for Teaching Excellence. The Education Division now oversees the operation of the Children’s Room and student development. They have received 1.2 million in grants, are involved in partnership projects, and have been selected for a pilot program as a Professional Development School.
Education Programs and Services Committee
Dr. Joe Badgley reported on behalf of the Education Programs and Services Committee and noted that the committee identified a need for programming in the area of insurance. The industry needs initial training as well as continuing education to serve those who are already employed. The committee also identified the need for modularization of curriculum for training purposes and compressing the time period for course offerings in business and technology.
Resource Development
Mr. Jack Simpkin reported on behalf of the Resource Development Committee that the committee discussed the need for program funds in the tech wing. They also discussed the need for a grant writer that could submit proposals to grant agencies for opportunities that would assist with larger capital needs, and submit proposals to state grants and private agencies for smaller needs.
Campus Improvement and Development Committee
Mr. Dave White reported on behalf of the Campus Improvement and Development Committee on major renovations such as the President’s Office, Faculty/Staff Lounge, Community Room, and Nursing Lab. He also recognized donors that helped with funding the state-of-the-art nursing lab and invited Board members to take a tour of that area. The next major project will be renovation of the Records and Admissions Office.
Other Business
Mrs. Dickirson asked for an update on the Social Justice programs offered at the college. Debbie Richards reported on events taking place in February for Black History Month. Mrs. Dickirson also asked for an update from the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation.
Jenny Keup reported on the recent “Power of the Purse Tea”; an update on the Annual Fund which assists students with travel; and the Henry Logan Grant which provides funds for child care. She also noted the need for funds for students to purchase books and funds for adjunct faculty development. She added that tax credits are still available through the Foundation. She also noted that information was enclosed in Board members packets regarding WVU basketball game road trip to be held on March 3.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the WVU at Parkersburg Board of Advisors will be held on Monday, May 14, 2007.
Adjournment
With no further business to be discussed, Mr. Campbell made a motion to adjourn, Mr. Mylott seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Patsy J. Bee
Executive Secretary to the President
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Linda Dickirson, Chair