Legislation impacting WVU Parkersburg takes effect.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg has a new governance structure as of Tuesday (July 1).

The West Virginia Legislature enacted legislation in the spring of 2008 to create a statewide network of independently accredited community and technical colleges, including WVU Parkersburg. The system is under the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education.

As part of the legislation which went into effect July 1, WVU Parkersburg will be governed by a local Board of Governors which replaces its Board of Advisors.  Members of the new board are to be named by WV Governor Joe Manchin.

"Our focus is to maximize quality educational opportunities available in the Mid-Ohio Valley," noted WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage.  "We look forward to working with our new board and continuing our affiliation with WVU," she said.

The legislation provides that WVU Parkersburg may maintain and continue its association with West Virginia University.  It also recognizes the Parkersburg campus as a higher education center offering community college programs and bachelor's degrees.

WVU Parkersburg is the only public community college in West Virginia accredited to offer baccalaureate degrees.  The college currently delivers six bachelor's degrees.

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