WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors approves Tuition Freeze for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year  

Parkersburg, W.Va. (March 19, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors met on Tuesday, March 18, to discuss tuition rates, the departure of Board Chair Joe Oliverio, and the contract renewal of President Dr. Torie Jackson.

The Board of Governors unanimously approved the tuition rates for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, freezing the current rates with no increase.

Brad Wilson, Chief Financial Officer, said WVU Parkersburg continues to have one of the lowest tuition rates in the region, positioning the institution as one of the most affordable options in the state.

“We’re not requesting any changes in tuition rates, and for good reason. This year, we are tied for the third-lowest tuition rate in the system,” Wilson said. “When you look at baccalaureate rates, we’re among the most affordable in the state. WVU’s tuition rate per credit hour is $451, Glenville’s is $354, Marshall’s is $382, we’re $260 — significantly lower than several other schools for a bachelor’s degree.”

During the President’s Report, Jackson recognized former Board Chair Joe Oliverio for his eight and a half years of commitment to the board and read a statement he prepared. During his tenure, Oliverio played a key role in overseeing the college’s growth and success, including improvements in student enrollment, facility expansion, and faculty compensation.

“It has been an honor to serve you in a capacity as a member, Secretary, Vice Chairman and eventually Chairman of the Board. Together, we took a path through a few administrative changes, COVID, and legislative agendas and funding concerns. We also saw and continue to see much success and growth in our student enrollment, faculty expansion and upgrades, as well as faculty and staff compensation increases,” Oliverio said in his statement.

Oliverio, who was recently appointed to the State Council for Community and Technical Colleges by Governor Justice, will continue to support WVU Parkersburg and the broader state community college system. However, due to state regulations, he must step down from his position on the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors.

In the interim, Vice Chair Blaine Hess will temporarily fill the position of Board Chair until a permanent successor is appointed.

Following a series of public discussions, the board entered an executive session to discuss the Presidential Evaluation.

The Board issued a formal statement regarding Jackson’s performance:

“Based on a careful review of responses from a variety of stakeholders, as well as input from the Board of Governors, it is evident that Dr. Jackson’s performance in all five domains of her evaluation, as well as her progress on her established annual goals, demonstrates excellent performance in her role as President of West Virginia University Parkersburg. The Board of Governors values the outstanding work Dr. Jackson has performed on behalf of WVUP and the positive impact that work has had on our students, the faculty and staff, and WVUP’s entire service region. The Board of Governors is excited to continue the progress underway at WVUP under Dr. Jackson’s leadership.”

The board remains confident in Jackson’s leadership and looks forward to the continued growth and success of WVU Parkersburg under her guidance.

The board entered into another executive session to discuss the President’s contract renewal. Upon returning, the board unanimously approved Jackson’s contract renewal and authorized the Vice Chair to negotiate the contract.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting will take place on April 15, 2025.