Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 17, 2022) – With a mission to meet the health and wellness needs of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Coplin Health Systems celebrated its grand opening at the WVU Parkersburg campus. The clinic is located by the college’s lower parking lot at 73 Nicolette Road in Parkersburg.

The opening was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Tuesday. Participating in the ribbon cutting were representatives from Coplin Health Systems, WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors and Dr. Chris Gilmer, WVU Potomac State interim president.

 

 

Gilmer formed a partnership with Coplin Health Systems during his previous presidency at WVU Parkersburg. His mission was always to provide high-quality healthcare to students, faculty, staff and the community at large.

The new center features a “G” on the left column of its entrance, signifying Gilmer’s work to make this dream a reality.

“This will be a great clinic for the campus and for the community of Davisville,” said Rob Dudley, Coplin Health Systems chief executive officer. “This project has taken time, but he [Gilmer] never gave up, and we never gave up. Our priority is to offer quality yet affordable healthcare and advocate for children and families.”

 

 

Services offered include primary and acute (walk-in) care for all ages and behavioral health services. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

 

 

Coplin Health Systems is a Federally Qualified Health Center. As such, providers will care for individuals and families with full, partial or no insurance coverage. The organization also offers a sliding scale payment model to make care affordable regardless of a person’s income.

The WVU at Parkersburg Foundation has also established the Student Health Fund to financially assist students who cannot afford health care costs, such as co-pays.

“It is our commitment to provide students the resources necessary to achieve,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg interim president. “We identified a need in our community, and Coplin was the answer. WVU Parkersburg appreciates their shared commitment to those who are currently underserved.”

Jackson County Center students, faculty and staff will be able to receive the same services at the Ripley Family Care, Jackson County School Wellness Center or River Valley Family Care in Ravenswood.

State’s Community & Technical College System highlights workforce partnerships during National Apprenticeship Week

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Community & Technical College System (CTCS) is highlighting successful workforce partnerships during National Apprenticeship Week, an initiative from Nov. 14-18 through the U.S. Department of Labor that showcases the economic value of apprenticeships across the country. In support of the state’s apprenticeship programs, Gov. Jim Justice has declared this week National Apprenticeship in the Mountain State.

Through CTCS, which leads efforts with the state’s nine community and technical colleges to partner with businesses and meet their workforce needs, students and businesses have a multitude of opportunities for on-the-job training that can lead to full-time careers. The state’s leading workforce development and educational partnership, Learn & Earn, distributed more than $3 million over the past year to connect students with work opportunities through 81 businesses across the state.

Learn & Earn connects employers with students eager to gain valuable, paid experience in their fields of study. The program allows students to take technical courses while gaining paid work experiences, while companies can meet their immediate staffing needs as they build a skilled workforce. Students’ pay is shared 50/50 between the state and company. Companies are not required to hire the students upon graduation, but the program currently has a placement rate of more 90 percent.

iTech, a technology solutions provider, partnered with WVU Parkersburg to employ Learn & Earn students in the fields of accounting, information technology (IT) and marketing during the 2021-22 school year.

“We’re having fun here, and we’re growing by bringing on students as new employees,” said Mike Williams, owner and CEO of iTech. “The great thing about the Learn & Earn program is that I get a one- to two-year interview with these students. In return, it is a great way for the students to explore their career goals and find out if we are the right fit for their future.”

Alana Cottrill, a Spring 2022 WVU Parkersburg graduate who earned her Certificate and Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, was a marketing Learn & Earn student at iTech. In her role, she designed company marketing materials, social media content, press releases and more.

“I feel like I have grown since being in the Learn & Earn program,” Cottrill said. “I’ve received real-life experiences that will help me and the company as I go on in my career.”

Through CTCS, the state also coordinates Apprenticeships in Motion (AIM), a program made possible by a nearly $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that prepares students for IT jobs that are in increasingly high demand across the state. Similar to Learn & Earn, AIM connects employers with students through colleges, allowing apprentices to take technical courses while gaining paid work experiences. The program also provides opportunities for businesses to upskill their current employees.

“Hiring IT professionals with cybersecurity skills is very difficult, especially in West Virginia,” said Norman Gunderson, Vice President/WV Division GM, Global Science & Technology Inc., which partnered with AIM to hire IT students. “The AIM program allowed us to ‘grow our own.’”

To explore how Learn & Earn or AIM can help build your workforce, contact the CTCS office at 304-558-0265.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 14, 2022) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has been recognized as the most affordable college in the state by University HQ. The published rankings help students discover the best school that matches their budget and career path by comparing college tuition rates, the number of degrees offered and graduating salaries across the U.S.

In addition, WVU Parkersburg was ranked No. 18 for the Most Affordable Business Management degree and No. 28 for the Most Affordable Business Administration degree in the nation.

“Part of our mission at WVU Parkersburg is to provide educational opportunities for our service region. I’m very proud that we are reaching that goal at a very high level, evident by these national rankings,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg interim vice president for Academic Affairs. “This is good news for our students, community and the college.”

WVU Parkersburg offers in-state and out-of-state tuition below the national average, and students have the opportunity to receive financial assistance, like WVUP Ascend and WV Invests.

WVUP Ascend removes barriers to receiving a certificate or associate degree by providing additional academic, financial and personal supports. These supports include waivers for tuition and fees, Kroger gift cards for groceries and/or gas, textbook assistance, career counseling, tutoring and more.

WV Invests is a grant program for community and technical college students. After a student uses all of their federal and/or state aid, WV Invests will step in to cover the remaining tuition and fee costs.

The WVU at Parkersburg Foundation supports students by offering over 150 different scholarships.

Also, WVU Parkersburg’s Early College program allows high school students to take college credits at a reduced rate of $150 per course. Students have the potential to graduate high school with a certificate or associate degree. Therefore, students and parents can save over $20,000 in tuition by enrolling in Early College.

Visit wvup.edu/future-students or call 304.424.8310 to view WVU Parkersburg’s majors, cost and aid, and other services. For information and registration regarding Early College, visit wvup.edu/earlycollege or call 304.424.8209.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 11, 2022) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Board of Governors will meet Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the Francis & Nina Phares Board Room (Room 1300A) on the main campus.

Visit http://www.wvup.edu/about/board-of-governors/agendas/ to view the complete agenda.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 7, 2022) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg invites area residents to join the festivities at its Fall Recruiting Fest, on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. Activities will take place on the main campus.

“We look forward to seeing our local high school students, those interested in entering the workforce or those simply interested in what WVU Parkersburg has to offer,” said Nicole Shutts, Admissions counselor. “We will have snacks, games and representatives from our different clubs and programs to speak about the opportunities students have at WVU Parkersburg.”

The event promises fun for all ages with free food, games, giveaways and music. While traveling through campus, participants will learn about the college’s degree programs, Early College opportunities for high school students, student clubs and organizations and workforce programs.

Early College allows high school students to earn college credit at their schools or on WVU Parkersburg’s campus. Students get to jumpstart their college career, with some even graduating high school with a Certificate of Applied Science in General Education or Associate of Arts in General Education.

WVU Parkersburg also offers Agribusiness, Aluminum Welding, Custodial, Dental Assistant, HVAC, Medical Office Specialist, Phlebotomy and Peer Recovery Support short-term career training programs. Between $1,500 and $2,000 in cost, these programs are usually six to 15 weeks, and students will take a certification exam upon completion.

Fall Fest participants can also meet WVU Parkersburg faculty and staff and learn about financial aid opportunities like WVUP Ascend and WV Invests.

WVUP Ascend removes barriers to receiving a certificate or associate degree by providing additional academic, financial and personal supports. These supports include waivers for tuition and fees, Kroger gift cards for groceries and/or gas, textbook assistance, career counseling, tutoring and more.

WV Invests is a grant program for community and technical college students. After a student uses all of their federal and/or state aid, WV Invests will step in to cover the remaining tuition and fee costs.

For more information about Fall Fest, contact the WVU Parkersburg Center for Student Services at 304-424-8310 or admissions@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 7, 2022) – The Poorhouse Rag, WVU Parkersburg’s literary magazine, is opening a special call for writers, spoken word artists and visual artists affiliated with the college to submit works addressing pandemic-specific issues, including themes of overcoming and moving toward to normalcy.

Originally published each fall, the Fine Arts Committee has shifted the release of the publication to the spring to celebrate the culmination of student work at the end of the academic year. Works submitted to The Poorhouse Rag last winter and spring will be featured in the 2023 edition.

“Dr. Held brought to The Fine Arts Committee an observation of students needing an outlet to connect with one another, which she noticed during a student’s speech in her communication course. The Fine Arts Committee agreed that adding this layer to the magazine was important to our campus community, as any creative endeavor has proven cathartic during these times,” said WVU Parkersburg Assistant Professor Danielle Kelly.

Submissions are open until Jan. 9, 2023. Entrants should submit their work to thepoorhouserag@wvup.edu, include the submission genre in the subject line, a statement of their WVU Parkersburg affiliation in the body of the email and a brief third-person bio.

All writing and artwork will be considered for prizes in their respective genre alongside the President’s Prize and the Foundation Prize. The Foundation Prize winner’s work will serve as the issue’s cover. The Spring 2023 edition of The Poorhouse Rag and Poorhouse Week will be held April 17-23, 2023, where a campus-wide reading and launch will take place.

For more information and the guidelines, visit wvup.edu/poorhouserag or contact Danielle Kelly at danielle.kelly@wvup.edu or Associate Professor Dr. Lauri Reidmiller at lauri.reidmiller@wvup.edu.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 1, 2022) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg has been named one of today’s best schools for online higher education in Child Development by EduMed.org, ranking No. 4 in the nation. Similarly, online programs in the medical field earned top honors for their overall quality, affordability and commitment to student success.

“These programs are awesome and produce the best possible employees to serve our communities,” said Dr. David Lancaster, WVU Parkersburg interim vice president for Academic Affairs. “It is an honor and pleasure for me to be involved with these outstanding programs in my current role. It is a great day to be WVU Parkersburg Proud!”

WVU Parkersburg offers a highly flexible and accommodating online program for those interested in pursuing a degree in Child Development. Through a career ladder approach, students can move seamlessly from a one-year certificate to a two-year associate degree, then on to a four-year bachelor’s degree without losing any credits along the way. All students admitted to the program receive in-state tuition rates regardless of geographical location.

Not to mention, the Associate of Applied Science in Child Development program accepts transfer credits from the WV Infant and Toddler (WVIT), EDGE Credit, Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS) and Child Development Associate (CDA). WVU Parkersburg also offers a 2 + 2 option for their Child Development program.

WVU Parkersburg’s CST-AAS in Surgical Technology and RN-BSN online programs also received top honors nationwide.

The CST-AAS in Surgical Technology program is designed for Certified Surgical Technologists interested in obtaining their associate degree. All classes are offered online to provide maximum flexibility and can be completed in 12 months for full-time students.

The RN-BSN program is for Registered Nurses, prepares students for advancement in professional nursing practice and provides a knowledge base for career mobility and graduate study. Courses are taught online to fit the nurses’ academic work into their professional and personal calendars.

“Our rankings showcase the schools giving future nurses and allied health professionals the best chance to succeed from day one in the classroom to day one on the job,” said Wes Harris, EduMed.org outreach coordinator. “This starts with low-tuition cost but also includes academic counseling, career placement and other key resources that students need to graduate and get hired.”

EduMed.org researched and analyzed more than 7,700 accredited schools using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. EduMed.org then applied a proprietary algorithm to rank all qualifying schools for each discipline. Primary data points include:

Academic counseling services

Career placement services

Student-to-faculty ratio

Tuition

Percent of students receiving school-based financial aid

Amount of school-based aid per student

For full rankings, visit https://www.edumed.org/online-schools/child-development-degrees/ – 4-year-schools

To learn about becoming a WVU Parkersburg student, visit wvup.edu/future-students or call 304-424-8310.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Oct. 25, 2022) – WVU Parkersburg’s Professional Studies Division is hosting a Fall Speaker Series where prominent local leaders share their success stories. The series of presentations will take place on the last Wednesday of each month, from now until November, with this month’s speaker being Steven D. Patterson, West Virginia Fusion Center (WVFC) deputy director.

Patterson began his time with the WVFC as a volunteer Fusion Liaison Officer in 2014. He was hired as an intelligence analyst in 2016 and named deputy director in 2018. Now, Patterson oversees the day-to-day operations of the WVFC. He also acts as the WVFC’s privacy and security officer, oversees the WVFC Forensic Accounting Unit and is a member of the WV Department of Homeland Security Special Investigations Unit.

Patterson has over 20 years of experience in internal auditing, forensic accounting and fraud investigation. He oversees multiple comprehensive fraud investigations and special inquiries, including executive, employee and vendor fraud, maximizing recovery efforts while working with internal process owners and outside law enforcement agencies.

Patterson received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, W.Va. He is currently a master’s candidate at the Naval Post Graduate School Center for Homeland Security and Defense. He has instructed at the university level and continues to present and train locally, nationally and internationally about interviewing fraud investigation, investigative reasoning and topics related to Homeland Security.

“It is an intentional effort, on the part of the Division of Professional Studies, to provide the community with the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant, intellectually stimulating event and engage with a respected local professional,” said WVU Parkersburg Assistant Professor Andrew Walker.

The next Fall Speaker Series will be presented tomorrow, from 12:15 to 1 p.m., in the College Theater. All community members are welcome to attend the event free of cost.

For more information, visit wvup.edu/fallspeakerseries.

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Oct. 19, 2022) – Last month, students in the WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice Family Violence course had the opportunity to visit the Children’s Listening Place in Parkersburg, W.Va., to learn more about advocacy and support for child victims in the area.

The Children’s Listening Place is a safe, child-friendly environment where child protection, criminal justice and child treatment professionals work together to investigate abuse in Calhoun, Pleasants, Ritchie, Wirt and Wood counties. The students toured the facility and met with staff, some of who are WVU Parkersburg alumni, and observed a mock forensic interview.

“To me, the experience was really eye-opening as to how they get information from the children,” WVU Parkersburg student Jamie Enoch said. “It was a great learning experience.”

“Hands-on activities like these are common in the Criminal Justice program,” Criminal Justice Program Coordinator Andrew Walker said. “They give our students opportunities to actively apply what they learn in class and build connections to the community and system they plan to work in once they graduate.”

For more information on WVU Parkersburg’s Criminal Justice program, visit wvup.edu/criminal-justice.