business applications, problem solving
and number sense and traditional calculus-
track courses provide students an oppor-
tunity to take a math class most suitable
for their major.
“Not every student needs to take college
algebra,” says Dr. Naveed Zaman, dean
of the WVSU College of Natural Sciences
and Mathematics. “If you are in the STEM
fields that require calculus, then yes, but
otherwise we have developed classes that
are more relevant to a student’s major.”
Students are recommended to take their
math course during their first year at the
university, another factor in keeping them
on track for earning their degree.
“We are very pleased to see the results of
our efforts,” says Zaman. “More students
have passed a credit-bearing math course,
and this will positively impact WVSU’s
retention and graduation rates.”
Building Leaders for
the Construction Industry
BY JEAN HARDIMAN. Since the fall of 2018,
the West Virginia University Institute
of Technology (WVU Tech) in Beckley
has offered a four-year construction
management
to train
REV WVL program
WV Executive
Fall students
2019.pdf for 1
entry-level to mid-management positions
in the construction industry.
“The program at WVU Tech is the only
four-year bachelor’s degree in construction
management (BSCM) program in the
state,” says Keith Whitaker, associate
professor and program director. “Prior
to 2018, students seeking a BSCM degree
had no choice but to leave the state.”
This program allows students to shorten
the time it takes to move into and rise
within management. Avoiding what could
be a 10-year apprenticeship, their careers
are fast-tracked to middle and upper
management. Students can learn computer
applications used in construction, safety and
production systems and heavy construction
practices. Potential careers include project
managers, coordinators, estimators, safety
specialists, business development manag-
ers, construction superintendents and, of
course, business owners.
“The industry has already taken notice
of our program and the expectations of
our students,” says Whitaker. “All our stu-
dents in their second year of the program
are currently employed in the industry.”
WVU Tech’s program allows West
Virginia
students
to stay in state to both
8/27/19
3:41 PM
study and work in the field, and its gradu-
ates can fill the labor shortage that exists
in the Mountain State. As the program
continues to draw regional construction
leaders to WVU Tech in search of excep-
tional employees, they are also exposed
to all the state has to offer.
According to Whitaker, this is a great
program for those with an interest in con-
struction and the control of construction
projects, and he encourages current and
former military personnel to investigate
the transfer of training and service credits
to the program.
“Students who are looking for a college
degree but still want to have the oppor-
tunity to be outside and work with their
hands often choose construction man-
agement,” he says. “Our program also
supports nontraditional students who are
interested in moving up in the industry
or those looking for a second career.”
Learning by Doing
BY TORIE JACKSON. West Virginia
University at Parkersburg (WVU Parkers
burg) is offering its students a new
experiential learning program. The pro-
gram officially kicked off in May 2019
WITH THE
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