WVU Parkersburg’s BOG talks enrollment increase; swears in new board members  

Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 30, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors met on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024 to discuss enrollment, swear in four new board members and recognize institutional leaders who have been vital to the success of the institution.

“Our enrollment is a number for which we are quite proud. We’ve had a great summer and we have started the fall semester with much promise for future growth,” said President Dr. Torie Jackson during her report. “We graduated 369 students in the spring, but we still have an increase of 410 new students for Fall 2024. Our greatest growth though, was in continuing students with a 14% growth for that group, which goes a long way with our increased enrollment from last year and our retention efforts.”

Jackson continued, explaining that there have been several staff realignments over the summer to help provide a better experience for students.

“I’d like to take a moment to recognize three leaders who have been a vital part of our campus for the last eight years, who have also helped us achieve more student success; to Donna Smith, JP Hushion and Jason Landers, we as a college publicly show our gratitude,” said Jackson. “We will formally recognize these governors at the May commencement.”

David Bowles, Jared Decker, Scott Seese and Student Representative Isabella Hileman were sworn in as members of WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors by the Honorable Tim Sweeney, 3rd Judicial Circuit Court Judge.

“Alice Harris has served WVU Parkersburg for many years, always to the best of her abilities and always putting the institution’s interest first and foremost,” said Jackson.

Harris, former executive vice president of Finance and Administration, was recognized for her 10 years of service as a financial expert. Harris recently retired from her administrative roll to teach at the institution full time as an associate professor of accounting. Harris had originally planned to retire in a few years, but moved up the timeline to teach after the unexpected passing of her beloved wife, Nancy Harris.

Jackson continued, “Three years ago, Alice began teaching accounting classes at WVUP, taking her decades of knowledge as a CPA and sharing it with students. She says that teaching makes her heart happy. She explains that teaching represents a positive way for her to share her considerable experience and knowledge with our students.”

“During this time, I have given my all to help ensure that the college’s financial and administrative processes are based on best accounting practices. I am proud of the work I’ve done in support of the college and its students. Most importantly, I am proud of my coworkers in business services, information technology services, Ricky’s Cafe, Riverhawk Books and Supplies and the Financial Aid Office, who are among the finest individuals I have had the honor to work with during my 43-yar career,” said Harris. “The college is in outstanding fiscal condition and its control systems are second to none due to the efforts of every single person who works in WVUP’s business services. My professional goal has always been to leave a place better than I found it. I believe with all my heart; I have fulfilled that goal at WVU Parkersburg.”

Two of Harris’ former teammates will be stepping into new roles in her place. Jeannine Hetrick-Ratliffe will oversee Financial Aid, Riverhawk Books and Supplies, Ricky’s Cafe and the Information Technology department, on top of continuing to supervise the business office staff. Brad Wilson is now the Chief Financial Officer and will continue to serve the college in his role in institutional research.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting will take place October 22, 2024.