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West Virginia University at Parkersburg 300 Campus Drive Parkersburg WV 26104 Phone:  304-424-8203 | Fax:  304-424-8315

WVU Parkersburg receives 10-year continuing North Central Association accreditation.

CONTACT: WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage, 304-424-8200.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg has received a 10-year continuing accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

In its official report, the HLC cited the college for its considerable support in the community; students’ appreciation for the institution’s quality educational programs; the Caperton Center’s successful model of a seamless technical education from high school to college, and the quality educational experiences offered at the college’s Jackson County Center.

"This reaffirms what we already know about WVU Parkersburg in that it is an excellent college providing quality higher education opportunities to the region it serves," noted WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage.

The announcement follows a two and a half year self-study process by WVU Parkersburg. Members of the college’s self-study steering committee included Dr. Joseph Badgley, dean of academic affairs and self-study coordinator; and members Patsy Bee, executive secretary to the president; David Bell, dean of Business, Industry and Development Services; Connie Dziagwa, executive director of communications; Curt Fulmer, director, institutional research and assessment; Mike Howerton, president of student government; Dotty Muir, dean of students, and Cheryl Robinson, assistant professor of health sciences.

As part of the self-study process, WVU Parkersburg conducted a campus-wide comprehensive analysis of the institution as an educational organization. From this process, the college developed a 272-page institutional self-study report of the institution’s organizational strengths and challenges as well as recommendations to further its effectiveness. A four-member North Central team visited the campus in April. The team’s subsequent recommendation was confirmed at the HLC’s recent meeting in Chicago.

"The institutional self-study and the evaluation team’s objective report will provide WVU Parkersburg with valuable guidance in our planning efforts," noted Dr. Gnage.

A 10-year accreditation is the maximum the HLC grants. This marks the second consecutive 10-year continuing accreditation that WVU Parkersburg has received.

"The continuation of our accreditation for 10 years is the best we could achieve and is a positive reflection on the commitment each of our faculty and staff has to the institution and to our students," noted Dr. Badgley, who served as self-study coordinator.

The commission will conduct its next comprehensive evaluation of WVU Parkersburg in the 2013-2014 academic year. 

A regional campus of West Virginia University, the Parkersburg institution is the only community college in West Virginia accredited to offer bachelor's degrees. 

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