WVU Parkersburg’s BOG talks new IMC and Esthetics programs

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 23, 2024) — WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors met on Tuesday, Oct. 22, to discuss the approval of three new programs, the college’s involvement in the community and project updates.

Dr. David Lancaster, executive vice president for Academic Affairs, brought three new programs before the board for approval. WVU Parkersburg plans to phase out its Communications and Media Studies degree for an Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) degree, as well as introduce a new Esthetics program.

“Due to changes in industry standards and low program enrollment in Communication and Media Studies, it has become necessary to restructure offering an AAS and a BAS Integrated Marketing Communication degree, which is supported by our community partners,” said Lancaster. “IMC provides a well-rounded skill set that will allow students multiple opportunities upon completion. Courses are realigned to meet industry changes in technology, news reporting and social media standards.”

Lancaster continued, explaining that the new Esthetics program will be a two-semester program that will offer students a Certificate of Applied Science specializing in skin care. This program is a 600-hour program that teaches students skin care, waxing and makeup artistry.

“We are called the WVU Parkersburg School of Cosmetology and Esthetics, so the need for the program is to live up to our name. There is also a demand for esthetics in the spa and medical settings,” said Lancaster.

The board unanimously approved the three programs.

President Dr. Torie Jackson showed her Halloween spirit and dressed as the “good” Sandy from Grease. Jackson tied her costume into her Presidential Report, explaining that the themes of Grease are centered around transformation, identity and personal growth, similar to how a community college serves its community.

“Overall, the themes in Grease speak of achieving more, which is exactly what WVU Parkersburg does by helping individuals develop skills and knowledge, leading to a stronger, more capable community,” said Jackson. “And this, governors, ensures that ‘the power we’re providing, it’s electrifying,’ and that makes me WVU Parkersburg proud.”

Jackson discussed recent opportunities she had to speak in the community, at the Wood County Development Authority’s annual meeting and at the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Annual Meeting. Jackson shared a video of her presentation at the NACCE, where she discussed WVU Parkersburg’s involvement in the community and local businesses and her involvement as Izzy, the mascot for Discovery World on Market.

Jackson also reported that a recent study by Lightcast revealed the economic impact of the college is $178.6 million and that one out of every 29 jobs in our region is supported by a WVU Parkersburg student or alumni.

Joe Oliverio, board chair, gave the Executive Committee Report, discussing updates on projects like the WVU Parkersburg Innovation and Technology Center and the Jackson County Center. Oliverio noted that the JCC is slightly behind schedule due to contracting, but should be open by January. He said the ITC has been cleared of asbestos, the roofs are almost complete and the interior construction is about to go out for bid. The ITC is still set to open in phases starting August of 2025.

Blaine Hess, board member, gave the Academic and Student Services Committee. Hess said that Jeremy Harrison, media production specialist, gave them a tour of WVU Parkersburg’s newly updated website. The website features a language translator that can change the website into one of over 100 different languages, in an effort to make the website accessible to more students. To see the website, visit wvup.edu.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting will take place January 21, 2025.