WVU Parkersburg celebrates enrollment growth, national recognition and innovative workforce programs

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 4, 2025) — The WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors met on Tuesday, Oct. 14, to review enrollment milestones, program approvals, and policy updates.

Board Chair Blaine Hess said WVU Parkersburg reached a fall enrollment of 3,015 students, a 9% increase over last year and marking nine consecutive semesters of growth.

“Really pleased to see the continued growth. A lot of people doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work — recruiting, marketing, and also quality programs we have here at WVU Parkersburg help to attract the students we’re serving,” Hess said.

President Dr. Torie Jackson reported that WVU Parkersburg was named one of the top five entrepreneurial colleges in the nation by the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE).

The recognition coincides with a $45,000 award for the Forging Futures welding initiative, which provides mobile, industry-certified welding training in correctional facilities. The program prepares participants for skilled trades careers upon release.

“Forging Futures embodies WVU Parkersburg’s mission to deliver innovative accessible education that strengthens West Virginia’s workforce, reduces recidivism, and expands opportunity through skill, compassion, and second chances,” Jackson said.

The board unanimously approved a Certificate of Applied Science in Paraprofessional Studies, designed to prepare students for Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher (ECCAT) roles and paraprofessional positions. The pathway allows students to earn the ECCAT credential in one semester, the paraprofessional certificate in the second semester, and continue toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

“This new program provides a clear pathway for students to enter the classroom, advance their education and impact the next generation,” said Dr. David Lancaster, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

The board also approved an action item for online degree program tuition rates, maintaining in-state tuition for fully online programs to expand accessibility for distance learners.

In other news:

• Board members received updates on WVU Parkersburg’s new customer relationship management (CRM) system, which will roll out over the next eight months in partnership with Element451. The system will integrate recruitment, enrollment, marketing, and communications workflows and help prevent fraudulent college applications.
• Several policy updates were also reviewed, including revision to GPA standards, part-time employee classifications, accreditations requirements, and reduced tuition for residents over 65.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026.