MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WVDN) — Record-breaking donor support is empowering West Virginia University to advance education, health care and prosperity near and far.
In a presentation to the WVU Board of Governors during its regular meeting Friday (Nov. 22), WVU Foundation President and CEO Cindi Roth detailed the impact of new gifts and pledges totaling more than $282 million in fiscal year 2024.
“The incredible generosity we’ve seen this year underscores the confidence donors have in our future and their steadfast support of the University’s mission,” Roth said. “These investments help our students, faculty and staff achieve in ways that would not otherwise be possible.”
Of the $121 million disbursed in fiscal year 2024 to the University, $21 million supported student scholarships.
The BOG also heard the search for the next WVU president is on track. BOG Vice-Chair and Presidential Search Committee Chair Dr. Patrice Harris said the University is now in what is commonly referred to as the “quiet period” of the process.
“Our executive search firm, WittKieffer, has been vetting a competitive pool of candidates, reviewing all nominations and applications, as well as proactively recruiting individuals across the country who they believe may be a great fit to serve at the helm of our University,” Harris said.
The Search Committee will review candidates through the winter. The BOG will interview finalists and make a selection in the spring.
Current WVU President Gordon Gee told the Board about growing excitement for the new WVU Degree Up program — a first-of-its-kind program in West Virginia announced Nov. 13 that is designed to make it easier for students to transition from community and technical colleges to the WVU System.
Gee also highlighted several student, staff and alumni success stories and encouraged people to tune in to see “The Pride of West Virginia,” the Mountaineer Marching Band, in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Interim Provost Paul Kreider outlined the new Annual Academic Unit Reporting Process as part of his report. Starting in 2025, this will be a yearly health check of academic programs separate from the established BOG review process which happens every five years. The goal is to drive change in several key areas. Early modifications to some curriculum or courses are showing improved student outcomes and enrollment.
“We also want all of our programs to adapt with the changes in technology and with changing workforce needs — all with the goals of retaining or increasing our relevance,” Kreider explained.
He said students are driving the changes.
“They want better learning outcomes. They want pathways to careers. They want experiential learning opportunities and internships,” Kreider said.
Ultimately, Kreider noted, the annual checks will help the University better recognize high performing programs and identify investment opportunities.
The University received and accepted “clean” audit reports from its external auditor for fiscal year 2024 and, bolstered by the highest student retention in WVU history, the financial outlook for fiscal year 2025 remains stable and on target, according to Senior Associate Vice President for Finance Barbara Weiss.
Board members approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to amend WVU BOG Finance and Administration Rule 5.8 — Travel to remove the requirement for booking travel through a University-contracted travel management company. Travelers would instead be allowed to make reservations using their preferred system, provided they comply with the other provisions of Rule 5.8 and the University’s Travel Manual. The public comment period for the proposed rule will be Nov. 25 to Jan. 6 to account for the holidays.
The BOG also approved the annual PRT Agency Safety Plan required by federal law, artificial turf replacement projects for Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium and the Steve Antoline Family Football Practice Field, and the sale of about 17 acres of land to the Monongalia County Board of Education.
View the Nov. 22 BOG regular meeting agenda and meeting materials.
The next regular BOG meeting is scheduled for Dec. 20.
