WVU at Parkersburg
Board of Advisors
March 10, 2008
The meeting was called to order by Board of Advisors Chairperson, Linda Dickirson. Those present were: Linda Dickirson, Jackson County Representative; James Hayhurst, Jr. Executive Vice President United National Bank; Joe Campbell, Senior Vice President Wes Banco; Tony Playtis, Environmental Health Coordinator E.I. Dupont; Curtis Miller, President Curtis Miller Insurance, Joyce Okes, Program Coordinator Workforce Investment; Robert D’Avria, Consultant; William Niday, Superintendent Wood County Schools; George Kellenberger, Chamber of Commerce President; Gerard El Chaar, Sr. Vice President of Operations, Coldwater Creek; Ed Crisp, Faculty Representative; Violet Mosser, Staff Representative; Jennifer Hitt, Student Representative; Marie Foster Gnage, President WVU Parkersburg, and Patsy Bee Executive Assistant to the President.
Absent were: Jim Mylott, Executive Director Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council, and Gregory Smith, President Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Call to Order
Mrs. Dickirson called the meeting to order and presented the agenda. Mrs. Dickirson introduced new board member Gerard El Chaar, Sr. Vice President of Operations at Coldwater Creek.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Board meeting held on November 12, 2007 was approved upon a motion by Mr. Hayhurst and second by Mr. Miller.
Chairman’s Report
Mrs. Dickirson announced that President Gnage has received the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction presented by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society of the Two-Year College for her outstanding support of Phi Theta Kappa.
Mrs. Dickirson reported that the WVU Board of Governors Community and Technical College Committee will meet on our campus sometime in the next few months.
President’s Report
President Gnage presented to the Board members copies of the WVU Parkersburg Annual Report that she presented to the WVU Board of Governors at their February 15, 2008 meeting.
President Gnage also provided Board members with a list of capital projects and costs for their review.
President Gnage reported on the Legislative Session noting the funding that has been provided for the Child Development Center and the new Technology Center. She also reported on HB 3215 that will require WVU Parkersburg to have its own Board of Governors. WVU Parkersburg’s relationship with WVU will be worked out through contractual agreement. This will all become effective on July 1, 2008. Students will not be impacted by the new Legislation. The Governor will select nine lay members to serve on Board of Governors; members of our current Board of Advisors and others recommended may be selected. WVUP will continue to offer four-year programs; a new four-year program (BA in Multi-Disciplinary Studies) has been approved and will be offered in the fall. A request has also been submitted to the Higher Learning Commission to offer online programs.
President Gnage announced that Professor Phil McClung was runner up for the second time for the Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia Professor of the Year Award. He received a check in the amount of $1,000. She also announced that one of our WVU Parkersburg Jackson County Center students, Ms. JoAnn Norman, was selected the Phi Theta Kappa USA All American New Century Scholar for the state of WV and she will receive a $2000 scholarship.
President Gnage asked Dr. Danita Brown, Interim Dean of Students to provide a short presentation to Board members on the Student Services area of WVU Parkersburg. Dr. Brown provided a power point presentation that provided information on recruitment, student demographics, financial aid, and support services such as disability services, health and wellness counseling, academic advising, learning center, and career services. She also provided information on student organizations, community services, student engagement hour, and coffeehouse and performing arts series.
Reports
Education Programs and Services Committee:
Dr. Rhonda Richards, Executive Dean for Academic Affairs provided information to Board members regarding academic programs, workforce education update, new programs, and placing students in workplace settings through Co-op. She reported that Grant support for 2007-2008 has totaled $974,595.00. She also reported on new programs to be developed: Certificate in Renewable Energy, Certificate in Animation Design, and Certificate in Physical Therapy Assistant.
Resource Development Committee:
Mr. Playtis reported on behalf of the Resource Development Committee. The committee proposed two events for consideration during the next year:
1. Super Saturday or Education Fair – sponsor a one day event at the college providing a sampling of course work with some fun activities.
2. Cultivate/Recognize Legacy Givers – provide an annual dinner or afternoon tea or reception for the legacy givers to say thank you.
Campus Improvement and Development Committee:
Ms. Connie Dziagwa, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement reported on behalf of the Campus Improvement and Development Committee regarding the Community and Technical College Legislation Bond noting that there is money in the bond for the Advanced Technology Center and the Child Development Center. President Gnage and Cindy Kelley, Associate Dean for Education met with state and local Legislative leaders regarding the Child Development Center, and proposals have been sent to WVU for funding requests to be submitted to Senator Byrd and Congressman Mollohan. Meetings were also held with Congressman Mollohan at which he requested a Business Plan for the Child Development Center.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the WVU at Parkersburg Board of Advisors will be held in May.
Adjournment
With no further business to be discussed Mr. Miller moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Kellenberger seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Patsy J. Bee
Executive Assistant to the President
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Linda Dickirson, Chair