Investing in the Future
COMPILED BY JENNIFER JETT PREZKOP
A deficiency in the number of West Virginians who hold
degrees creates a disadvantage in a state whose economy is
already struggling. With the demands of today’s knowledge
economy, knowing how to compete in a global market, figuring
out how to diversify the state’s industry portfolio and making
sure West Virginia’s workforce has the tools to succeed are
more important than ever.
In order to produce more graduates, the Mountain State
introduced two programs in 2019. West Virginia Invests is a
grant program developed to offer last-dollar-in financial aid
to cover any basic tuition and fees not covered by other means
of funding. West Virginia’s Climb is a campaign in which the
state is aiming to address its low graduation and certification
rate by challenging colleges and universities to find ways to
equip a record 60 percent of West Virginians with a certificate
or degree by the year 2030.
In addition to these programs, higher education institutions
around the state are doing their part to increase enrollment and
encourage completion. From new dormitories and learning
facilities to expansions both on campus and within the com-
munity, West Virginia’s colleges and universities are investing
in the future by paving the way for tomorrow’s workforce.
Bluefield State College
BY JIM NELSON. A half century ago, Bluefield State College’s
(BSC) dormitories were closed following a time of turmoil on
the campus and in the community. Now, student housing is
poised to return to the college’s campus.
Heritage Village, the new facility, will be comprised of four,
30-unit student housing buildings and will feature shared space
like common study and lounge areas with the goal of building
a sense of connectedness among students. At full occupancy,
the new facility will provide housing for 120 students, boosting
enrollment at BSC by about 10 percent.
“The restoration of student housing on Bluefield State’s
campus is tremendously important to the viability of the college,”
says Robin Capehart, BSC’s president. “Currently, many poten-
tial students are interested in our academic programs, but they
can’t attend the college because of the lack of suitable housing
close to campus. Heritage Village is a game changer, providing
students with the full college experience of living and studying
on campus.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 18, and
site preparation began in September. Construction is expected
to begin in January with the goal of completion by July 2020 so
students can move in before the start of the fall 2020 semester.
Davis & Elkins College
BY MAGGIE HATFIELD. In March 2019, Davis & Elkins College
(D&E) announced a major renovation to the Myles Center for
the Arts. The $5.5 million project, funded by Trustee Emerita
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
June Myles, will expand the building and completely refurbish
the outdoor gathering area.
“The facility will serve a variety of purposes and give people a
place to gather in beautiful surroundings,” says D&E President
Chris Wood. “The newly renovated Myles Center will continue
to allow us to celebrate the arts as well as provide space for
our campus community and community at large to gather for
educational and social functions.”
A rendering of the renovated
Myles Center for the Arts at
Davis & Elkins College.
Photo by The Mills Group.
The renovation will add a 5,200-square-foot glass-enclosed
structure to the Joni and Buck Smith Arts Forum. After the ren-
ovation is complete, seating capacity for the space will exceed
300. The project will also include the installation of an elevator,
a warming kitchen and additional restrooms. The plaza in front
of Myles Center for the Arts will see a complete renovation
as well. The updated space will feature walking paths, grassy
areas and tiered seating. Myles has commissioned a 10-foot
bronze sculpture of a couple dancing titled “The Dancers” to
be placed in the plaza as well.
“The complex that houses the center is more than 40 years
old,” says Myles. “It is time for a facelift incorporating some
features that echo other campus buildings. The plaza is one of
the few flat places on campus, so it should be made an attractive,
inviting venue for students and Elkinites alike.”
Construction was slated to begin in early fall 2019, and the
project is expected to be completed by fall 2020. The building
will remain open and fully functional throughout the process.
Marshall University School of Pharmacy
BY OLIVIA MILLER. What was once an empty lot at the corner
of Charleston Avenue and Hal Greer Boulevard is now home
to the Marshall University School of Pharmacy. Known as the
Stephen J. Kopp Hall, the 49,560-square-foot building includes
research, instructional, communal and administrative facilities.
Fairfield Landing, the school’s new graduate housing facility,
was built at the same time as Kopp Hall. The three-story building
features 200 units for apartment-style living and will accom-
modate pharmacy and medical students as well as resident
physicians.