WVU Parkersburg awarded $566,000 through West Virginia’s Nursing Workforce Expansion Program

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 13, 2025) —WVU Parkersburg has been awarded $566,000 through West Virginia’s Nursing Workforce Expansion Program, which is designated to address the state’s nursing shortage through a multifaceted approach to attract, train, and retain nurses in the Mountain State.

“It’s especially exciting for us to receive the nursing expansion grant funds this year, because WVU Parkersburg was able to provide legislation tours of our nursing simulation labs during the September interims,” said President Dr. Torie Jackson. “We believe that they were impressed with our facilities and pleased with the way the dollars for this program have been spent.”

Jackson continued, “We are thankful for another year of funding to continue enhancing nursing opportunities in our region.”

Representing a fundamental part of this approach, an award program was established three years ago to fund nursing program expansion projects at colleges, universities, school of nursing and career technical education centers across West Virginia.

A portion of the grant funding has been allocated to several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the nursing program at WVU Parkersburg. This includes faculty development initiatives to improve teaching strategies and ensure educators are equipped with the latest skills. To support modern teaching methods, new classroom technology, such as state-of-the-art computers, has been purchased to facilitate interactive learning. The program has also invested in book bundles for Fall 2025 students, ensuring they have the necessary resources for their studies. In addition, new physical assessment equipment and pediatric IV arms have been acquired to provide students with hands-on experience in a realistic setting. Scannable practice medications have also been purchased to help students learn medication administration and safety protocols. The program has sponsored the Summer Teen Medical Explorers Academy, offering high school mentorship and exposure to healthcare careers. Finally, the grant has funded recruiting props to help attract potential nursing students at local events.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the West Virginia Legislature for providing the essential funding that enables us to increase enrollment, actively recruit students into our programs, and offer exceptional support to our current students. Your commitment to education and workforce development is vital to our mission,” said Kathy Frum, dean of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Twenty-three grant awards were distributed to nursing programs statewide for the third year of the program. Funded projects build upon progress made in the first two years and are focused on increasing enrollment in pre-licensure nursing programs, timely degree completion and licensure for graduates.

Since its launch, West Virginia’s Nursing Workforce Expansion Program has helped yield a nearly 25 percent increase in filled seats at nursing programs across the state.

The nursing program expansion awards, made possible by funding from the West Virginia Legislature, are administered by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s nursing programs, visit https://www.wvup.edu/academics/nursing-health-sciences/