WVU Parkersburg completes first stage of campus enhancements

WVU Parkersburg prepares for fall semester with close to $200,000 in campus enhancements.

CONTACT: WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage, 304-424-8200.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Close to $200,000 in campus enhancements have been completed this summer as West Virginia University at Parkersburg prepares for the fall semester.

Faculty return to the college on Monday (August 15) for in-service activities and students begin fall classes on August 22.

The college’s physical facilities staff have completed projects designed to enhance the college experience for students as well as improve and renovate faculty office and learning spaces. It is the first stage of planned campus improvements.

"Many of the enhancements will directly impact students," noted Marie Foster Gnage, WVU Parkersburg president. "Assistant Director David White and his staff have done a wonderful job in completing these projects in a timely, cost efficient and professional manner."

Among the projects is a complete renovation of the college’s student lounge. New carpet, new and refurbished furniture and a color palette selected by WVU designers complement the area and give it a fresh, inviting décor, President Gnage noted.

All faculty offices along the external wall of the main administrative building – known as the "banana wing" – have been painted, carpeted and new furniture is being delivered in the next week. Window blinds have also been installed.

The college’s Learning Center, which provides peer tutoring for students, has been relocated in a more appropriate space in the campus lower level. Study carrels and expanded space will provide a more conducive environment for students to receive tutorial assistance. Also, the journalism lab and related classroom space and offices are now located in what was the college’s original cafeteria area, also in the lower level.

In addition, the welding lab has been refurbished, lab stalls have been painted and the capability of offering aluminum welding instruction has been added.

Funds for the enhancements were derived from both institutional monies and grants. Funding for implementation of the aluminum welding courses was provided via grants of $30,000 from the Workforce Investment Division of the West Virginia Development Office and $35,000 from the West Virginia Department of Education’s Adult Prep program.

Some exterior work, including a new flag pole platform on the campus front lawn and landscaping, have also been completed during the summer. Much of the campus work has been accomplished by college personnel as well as some volunteer assistance, allowing for cost savings.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203)