WVU Parkersburg awarded $219,900 grant

December 2, 2008

WVU Parkersburg awarded $219,900 grant to develop Certificate in Process Technology.

CONTACT: Dr. Rhonda Richards, executive dean of academic affairs, 304-424-8242; Mary Beth Busch, dean of Workforce and Community Education, 304-424-8271.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is the recipient of a $219,900 grant to develop a Certificate in Process Technology.

The grant is awarded by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education. It is part of the council's Technical Program Development funding to develop technical programs that are in high demand, lead to high-wage careers and complement the state's economic development initiatives.

The Certificate in Process Technology will be designed to prepare students as process technicians in the chemical, oil and gas, and power generation industries.

"Regional employers indicate a need to have process technicians who can operate valves, pumps, compressors, furnaces and boilers in a chemical plant or related environment," said Dr. Rhonda Richards, executive dean of academic affairs.

WVU Parkersburg's grant award is a joint project of the college's Academic area and its Workforce and Community Education division. It will utilize core courses of the national Center for the Advancement of Process Technology curriculum in modularized emphasis areas.

The Certificate in Process Technology will provide training for the region's current and potential employees in the areas of process operations and technology through credit and non-credit options. It will feature a blended delivery format that includes on-line delivery of content with hands-on, skill-based laboratory activities.

"The intent is to develop a process technology career ladder that includes non-credit conversions to certificate and associate degree programs," noted Mary Beth Busch, dean of the college's Workforce and Community Education Division.

The grant funds will be used for faculty, equipment, and supplies and curricular development. It is expected the program will be in place for the fall 2009 semester.

cd12/02/08

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203)

WVU Parkersburg News Archive

Home | Faculty/Staff Directory | Office Directory | Contacts | Course Schedules | E-Mail | Search | Web Site Index | WVU