First meeting held of WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors

WVU Board of Governors meets for first time; approves classified staff salary increases of $166,000.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Members of the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors were sworn in Wednesday (Sept. 10), elected officers, and approved a pay increase totaling $166,000 for the college's classified staff.

It marked the first historic meeting of the 12-member board, the result of legislation which created a statewide network of independently accredited community and technical colleges, including WVU Parkersburg.

Circuit Court Judge J.D. Beane gave the oath of office to the members. Election of officers followed with Joe Campbell named chair, Curtis Miller elected vice-chair, and Keith Burdette elected as secretary.

In brief remarks, WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage welcomed the board noting "I feel very confident that WVU Parkersburg is even more on course for being the regional college of choice." She outlined the institution's strategic plan and key accomplishments in moving the college forward.

"We are quite pleased that we will continue to be a higher education center offering two-year and four-year programs with a community needs-focused mission," she said.

House Bill 3215, which created the Board of Governors' localized governance structure, continues to be on the college's agenda, President Gnage noted.

"We will need to work with West Virginia University to develop a service and chargeback agreement as well as an affiliation memo of understanding," she added.

Following her report, the board moved into executive session to discuss the president's contract and compensation package. In open session, the members voted to place additional discussion of President Gnage's contract on a future meeting agenda.

The Board of Governors approved a pay increase for classified employees as part of a statewide initiative to bring the state's classified salaries in line with market rates and provide fair and equitable pay for higher education employees. The board approved partially funding the schedule, effective Oct. 1. The percentage increase will fund the higher of a 3% salary increase or 50% of the salary gap on the state's salary schedule for each classified staff member. Cost is $166,000.

In other business, the board voted to accept the deed for the W.T. Grant building located on Market Street in Parkersburg. Discussion was held regarding the various possibilities that the property provides the college in creating a downtown presence.

James Skidmore, chancellor of the Community and Technical College System of WV, addressed the board and offered to provide assistance in moving community college education forward in the state and helping to make WVU Parkersburg "the best it can be."

The board also established a meeting schedule for 2008-2009. The Board of Governors will meet at 5:45 p.m., monthly on Oct. 8 and Nov. 12, 2008, and Jan. 14, March 11 and June 10, 2009.