NC West Virginia News

The West Virginia University Board of Governors convened on December 20, marking the start of Commencement weekend events at the Morgantown Campus. The ceremonies conclude the fall semester and include several student celebrations, notably a reunion for Bucklew and Foundation Scholars. President Gordon Gee expressed his pleasure in welcoming past scholars back to campus, noting their success across various professions. "Tomorrow, we will launch a new group of talented graduates into the world and I have no doubt that they will find similar success," Gee stated.

In 2024, WVU achieved significant milestones including strong credit ratings from Fitch and S&P, record research expenditures, historic fundraising efforts, the initiation of the WVU Degree Up program, and achieving its highest student retention rate ever. Looking forward, Gee informed the Board that student applications have increased by 19% compared to last year.

WVU recently announced a partnership between its School of Pharmacy and the University of Charleston to assist students affected by UC's Doctor of Pharmacy program discontinuation.

BOG Vice-Chair Dr. Patrice Harris updated on the presidential search process, stating that candidates for first-round interviews were selected with plans to announce a new president in spring 2025.

The Board also authorized issuing up to $30 million in bonds for phase two of the Modernization Program initiated in 2022. Additionally, they approved renovations to Cary Gym Training Center through private funding and named an indoor facility at Ken Kendrick Family Ballpark as WVU Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center.

BOG Chair Rick Pill expressed gratitude for members' dedication over the year: "I’m filled with optimism for the opportunities and successes the new year will bring. Together with our campus community, alumni and donors, and all those who support West Virginia University, we will continue to achieve great things."