June 11, 2009

WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors approves Trademark License and Services agreements with WVU; retains institution's name.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors approved a Trademark License Agreement Wednesday (June 10) which continues the institution's name association with West Virginia University.

Following a 45-minute executive session, the board unanimously endorsed the agreement with WVU which allows WVU Parkersburg to continue the use of its name, logo and related indices.

The WVU Board of Governors had approved the modified trademark agreement draft June 5 to reflect language modifications which the Parkersburg board had requested to keep the document in effect unless by mutual agreement of both institutions.

By law, the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors had until June 30, 2009 to change the college name if it chose.  After July 1, 2009, any name change would be handled by the state Legislature.

"I absolutely believe this is the right thing for this college," said board member Keith Burdette, who made the motion to approve the agreement.  He added the vote is "a big win for Parkersburg."

Also approved at Wednesday's meeting was an Administrative and Academic Support Services Agreement.  WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage noted that the agreement involves the delivery of services by WVU to WVU Parkersburg in the areas of human resources, technology infrastructure and business services. 

An earlier approved Memorandum of Understanding agreement between WVU and WVU Parkersburg designates the Parkersburg campus as an affiliated institution of WVU and the exclusive platform for WVU to deliver educational services to the Mid-Ohio Valley.

In other action, the board approved a facade design for the W.T. Grant property in downtown Parkersburg.  A proposed working budget for FY 2009 was approved with  a finalized budget to be presented at the August board meeting.  In her report to the board, President Gnage noted that current enrollment data for summer and fall reflect significant increases.  Al Collins, representing the college's Staff Council, made a presentation regarding the classified staff. 

The board also endorsed re-election of its current slate of officers.  Continuing as chair will be Joe Campbell, with Curtis Miller as vice chair and Keith Burdette, secretary.  Campbell thanked student representative Kim Starkey for her service on the board.  She introduced new Student Government President Teresa Wamer as her successor.

cd06/11/09