WVU Parkersburg, Washington State College of Ohio partner to create 2+2 cybersecurity degree pathway

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (Feb. 1, 2026) — WVU Parkersburg and Washington State College of Ohio have signed a partnership agreement establishing a 2+2 degree pathway in cybersecurity.

The agreement allows students to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security at Washington State College of Ohio and then transfer seamlessly to WVU Parkersburg to complete a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cyber Security and Network Administration.

“Our 2+2 Cybersecurity partnership with Washington State College of Ohio represents a shared commitment to academic excellence and innovation. By aligning our Bachelor of Applied Technology curriculum with WSCO’s foundational programs, we are creating a seamless pathway that empowers students to achieve advanced credentials while fostering cross-institutional collaboration that strengthens the future of technology education,” said WVU President Dr. Torie Jackson.

The partnership is designed to expand access to bachelor’s degrees in a high-demand field while supporting regional workforce development. West Virginia currently ranks near the bottom nationally in baccalaureate degree attainment, and the program aims to help address that gap by providing students with a clear, structured pathway to a four-year degree.

Courses for the bachelor’s degree will be delivered by WVU Parkersburg through its online learning platform, allowing students to complete upper-division coursework after finishing their associate degree at Washington State College of Ohio.

Students will also receive coordinated academic advising from both institutions to ensure a smooth transition and support timely degree completion.

“This 2+2 agreement is more than an academic pathway; it’s a strategic investment in our region’s future. By equipping students with industry-aligned cybersecurity skills and credentials, we are helping meet the growing demand for qualified professionals across our communities, driving economic opportunity and strengthening our regional workforce,” Jackson said.

The 2+2 cybersecurity pathway is open to students who complete the Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security at Washington State College of Ohio and meet WVU Parkersburg admission requirements.

WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors sets strategic direction for 2026, highlights ITC progress

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (Jan. 22, 2026) — The WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors met Tuesday to outline strategic priorities for 2026, review continued enrollment growth and financial stability, and tour ongoing improvements at the Innovation and Technology Center campus in Vienna.

President Dr. Torie Jackson said the college’s focus for the year ahead centers on intentional growth, workforce alignment and continuous improvement, with recruitment and retention viewed as investments in people and opportunity.

“Our goals remain clear and grounded in purpose,” Jackson said. “If we stay focused on students and their success, and commit to being one percent better each day, those small improvements add up to meaningful change for our institution and our region.”

Jackson said WVU Parkersburg will continue targeted efforts to grow enrollment at the Jackson County Center while expanding the Innovation and Technology Center, positioning the college as a leader in innovation, entrepreneurship and workforce development.

Board Chair Blaine Hess reported that spring enrollment remains strong, with headcount up about 5%, or 152 students, from last year and full-time equivalent enrollment increasing by more than 60 students.

“Given what we’re seeing nationally, with college enrollment, these numbers are encouraging,” Hess said.

As part of committee reports, board members participated in a tour of the Innovation and Technology Center, led by Jackson, highlighting completed and in-progress spaces designed to support academic programs, student services and community partnerships.

Board member David Bowles said the tour included technology-enabled classrooms, the Engineering Innovation Lab, the podcast studio, expanded shipping and receiving operations, and a child care center expected to serve up to 130 children. The tour also highlighted student housing, outdoor gathering areas intended to enhance the student experience, future restaurant operations, and space planned for expanded cosmetology programming.

Chief Financial Officer Brad Wilson reported a positive financial outlook midway through fiscal year 2026, with tuition and fee review for the fall and spring terms up $226, 299 compared with the same period last year. He also noted the college has been awarded 85 grants totaling $13 million since fall 2023, with 61 grants currently active.

“Responsible financial management and the strategic pursuit of grants remain key to sustaining growth and supporting the college’s mission,” Wilson said.

In action items, the board approved four new academic programs aligned with regional workforce needs: a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting, Accounting (CPA Track) and Financial Management, and an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. David Lancaster said the programs were developed in response to stakeholder input and reflect the college’s commitment to continuous improvement.

The board also approved updates to several Board of Governors policies, including revisions related to meal breaks, academic credit and micro-credential pathways. Board members also discussed plan for events tied to the college’s upcoming 65^th anniversary.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree Program Marks 50 Years of Helping West Virginia Achieve Their High Education Goals

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Jan. 20, 2026) — WVU Parkersburg is marking the 50th anniversary of the statewide Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree program, which was created to meet the needs of adult learners across West Virginia.

The RBA degree is designed for students who balance work, family, and other responsibilities. The program offers credit for life and work experience, options for compressed courses, and the ability to take online and weekend classes.

“The RBA program at WVU Parkersburg is helping students achieve their goals and dreams every day,” said Kim McFee, director of RBA & BOG AAS degree programs. “Not everyone follows a traditional path to a degree, and the RBA program can be a perfect fit for those already in the workforce or for individuals who started college but did not finish. We are always happy to support our students as they find the pathway that is right for them, and we are proud that the RBA program helps so many succeed.”

The West Virginia State Board of Regents created the RBA program in 1975. In just the past five years, more than 3,200 RBA degrees have been awarded statewide. According to a recent National Student Clearinghouse report, in 2024 there were 179,965 West Virginians under the age of 65 who had some college credit but no credential. The RBA program provides a flexible pathway for adult learners to cross the finish line and complete their degree.

“This incredibly unique and flexible degree program is an unsung hero in West Virginia’s higher education story,” said Dr. Chris Rasmussen, vice chancellor for academic affairs for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. “We know that many adults in West Virginia enter the workforce and believe returning to college is no longer an option. The RBA program’s flexibility and credit for work experience make earning a degree possible for so many across our state, and these graduates are making a difference at work and in their communities every day.”

The only prerequisite for the RBA degree is a GED or high school equivalent and being out of high school for at least three years. Many adult learners pursuing an RBA degree may also qualify for financial aid.

For more information about financial aid at WVU Parkersburg, call 304-424-8310 or email finaid@wvup.edu.

For more information about the RBA program, contact Kim McFee at 304-424-8321 or email kmcfee1@wvup.edu.

WVU Parkersburg computer information technology students rank among top performers in National Cyber League Fall 2025 season

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Jan. 7, 2025) — Students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science Computer Information Technology program at WVU Parkersburg earned national recognition through their performance in the National Cyber League Fall 2025 season, a competitive cybersecurity challenge that tests real-world technical skills.

Six teams of AAS Computer Information Technology students from the Introduction to Security course participated in the Fall 2025 Cyber League competition, with all six teams placing in the top 15% nationally among 4,214 teams. One team achieved an exceptional 72^nd-place finish overall and ranked first in the web application exploitation category, demonstrating advanced skills in identifying and addressing web-based security vulnerabilities.

“Allowing our students to compete nationally is competitions improves their confidence,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, president of WVU Parkersburg.

The National Cyber League is a biannual, online cybersecurity competition that provides high school and college students with hands-on experience in scenarios modeled after professional cybersecurity work. Competition challenges include areas such as network traffic analysis, digital forensics, cryptography, system auditing and web application security.

“Participating in cybersecurity competitions such as National Cyber League allows the students to apply theory from their coursework in a realistic, time-sensitive environment, which helps them have a better understanding of professional cybersecurity work,” said Doug Rhodes, associate professor of computer information technology at WVU Parkersburg. “The NCL also provides scouting reports to the students, which is a great addition to their degree, allowing them to showcase their strengths and skills to future employers.”

The web application exploitation category focuses on how modern websites can be compromised when security is overlooked. Students are expected to recognize and exploit common flaws in website design and development, preparing them to help design and implement safeguards against those types of attacks in real-world cybersecurity roles.

While teams in the National Cyber League may include students from multiple institutions, the competition’s power ranking reflect performance by students and teams from the same institution. Based on student performance in the Fall 2025 season, WVU Parkersburg ranked 80^th nationally and 36^th in the Eastern Division.

“We are thrilled to see the level of competency on global issues like cybersecurity being recognized in Vienna, West Virginia,” Jackson said.

Participation in competitions such as the National Cyber League supports WVU Parkersburg’s commitment to providing career-focused, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for employment in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity.

For more information about the Computer Information Technology program at WVU Parkersburg, visit https://www.wvup.edu/academics/programs/computer-and-information-technology/

WVU Parkersburg awarded $815,824 National Science Foundation Grant to expand Cloud Computing Technician Education

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Dec. 18, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg has received an $815,824 Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. government’s independent science agency.

The three-year grant will support the college’s Building a Pathway to Cloud Computing Careers in West Virginia project, which will implement WVU Parkersburg faculty members’ ideas to improve technician education and create a new associate degree program aligned with industry demand.

“It is such an honor for WVU Parkersburg to be the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant. It takes months of planning to be eligible for these prestigious federal opportunities. Michele Wilson worked diligently to pursue this opportunity,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, president of WVU Parkersburg. “For students, this is exciting as it allows us to pursue our two-year degree in Cloud Computing, a joint partnership with Amazon Web Services. Using curriculum and degree pathways that are esteemed in the technical industry allows us to elevate our programming and to provide the Mid-Ohio Valley students with a unique skill set that makes them marketable for many job opportunities across the globe.”

Enrollment opens Fall 2026. For more information, call 304-424-2274 or email wed@wvup.edu.

The project will design, develop, and implement a new Cloud Computing Associate Degree in partnership with Amazon Web Services. The program will prepare students for careers in cloud technology by teaching AWS-based infrastructure, cloud architecture, networking, security, and automation. Students will gain hands-on experience with AWS tools and services, develop the problem-solving skills required for modern IT environments, and prepare for industry-recognized certifications leading to roles such as cloud support technician, cloud systems specialist, or junior solutions architect.

The grant will fund technology purchases, two new cloud computing faculty members, and a dedicated students success coach who will advise students, support academic planning, and help improve retention, according to Principal Investigator Michele Wilson, Dean of Workforce, Technical and Computer Information Science Division.

As principal investigator, Wilson will lead the initiative with Co-Principal Investigators Kurt Knopp, Charles Almond, and Olivia Reeder.

• Knopp will work with business and industry partners to align the program with workforce needs.
• Almond will lead curriculum development, proposals, and academic approvals.
• Reeder will oversee marketing outreach for the new program.

“This is a prestigious and highly vetted national grant whose intent is to ensure that institutions of higher learning have the resources to implement programs with major impact on national economic development, national security concerns, and cutting-edge technologies. Being awarded the grant communicates the belief by the federal government that WVU Parkersburg has a well thought out plan to drive cutting-edge learning in our region,” Knopp said.

Wilson and President Jackson began preparing the grant proposal in 2023 with mentoring and technical support from Mentor-Connect, which provides resources to help two-year college faculty write competitive NSF proposals. Mentor-Connect is an ATE project led by Florence-Darlington Technical College in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges.

“Mentor-Connect is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a mentor for any questions you may have with the NSF grant. Also, it is a way to connect with other successful NSF grantees and learn from their experiences,” Wilson said.

The ATE program focuses on the education of technicians who work in high-tech fields that drive the nation’s economy. Because two-year community and technical colleges are the leading sources of technician education in the United States, faculty from these institutions have played leadership roles in most ATE projects since the program began in 1993.

WVU Parkersburg hosted its annual fall commencement ceremony, marking a memorable celebration for the fall class of 2025

WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice Students Win First Place in Statewide Crime Scene Competition

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — WVU Parkersburg criminal justice students earned first place in the annual statewide crime scene competition at the West Virginia Criminal Justice Educators Association (WVCJEA) conference, held in October at Marshall University.

Members of the WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice Student Organization attended the 28th annual event, which centered on the theme “Innovating Justice: The Impact of Technology on Criminal Justice.” The conference provides opportunities for criminal justice students and faculty from across the state to present research, engage in professional development, and discuss emerging issues in the field.

WVU Parkersburg Associate Professor Andrew Walker, who also serves as the college’s Criminal Justice program coordinator, presented on a faculty panel focused on ethics, pedagogy and the role of artificial intelligence in criminal justice education.

The crime scene competition team, consisting of Haley Farson and Lanie Cook, earned first place for their performance in the hands-on investigative challenge.

The WVCJEA was established in 1992 to promote the exchange of educational ideas and curriculum among institutions of higher education and criminal justice training agencies throughout West Virginia. Walker is a past president and current secretary of the association, and Amy Strong, WVU Parkersburg assistant professor, currently serves as its president.

WVU Parkersburg and McClinton Auto Group have partnered to drive opportunity forward

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 21, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg and McClinton Auto Group have partnered to launch a new driver’s education program that gives students and community members safe, affordable access to behind-the-wheel training — helping more people gain confidence and skills needed to drive toward independence.

The program, led by certified instructor Sharon Marks, provides hands-on instruction in a Mitsubishi vehicle donated by McClinton Auto Group. Participants learn in a safe, structured environment designed for both new drivers and adults seeking to earn their licenses. Each session allows students time behind the wheel under Marks’ professional supervision, with built-in safety features like a passenger-side break for instructor control.

“This program represents WVU Parkersburg’s commitment to removing barriers, empowering students, and driving opportunity forward — literally and figuratively — for our entire community,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Torie Jackson. “Not every student has equal access to a safe vehicle, insurance coverage, or a parent who can take off work to help them practice. By providing professional instruction and a college-supported vehicle, we’re making sure every student has the same opportunity to learn a critical life skill safely and confidently.”

The course runs in seven-week sessions and welcomes participants ages 15 and older who already have their learner’s permit. Each class includes one brief classroom meeting, followed by a series of supervised driving lessons that give students valuable experience on the road. The cost for the program is $300, and sessions are held year-round on a rotating basis, taking up to nine students at a time.

“Learning to drive can be stressful — for both the student and their parents,” said Sami Daggett, Program Manager of Short-Term Programs. “This program helps reduce that anxiety. Having a certified instructor in the passenger seat gives students the confidence to build their skills safely, while parents can feel comfortable knowing their child is learning from an experienced professional. We’re seeing more and more students who reach college age without a driver’s license, and this is helping to change that.”

Daggett added that the program also benefits adults who never earned a driver’s license. “Whether someone is 15 or 47, this provides a pathway to independence. In our region, reliable transportation is essential for education employment, and this program helps bridge that gap.”

McClinton Auto Group has always believed in giving back to the community that has supported us for more than a century,” said Ginny Bowden, owner of McClinton Auto Group. “When we learned about WVU Parkersburg’s driver’s education program and how it helps students real-world experience, it immediately aligned with our mission of promoting safety, education, and opportunity. Donating a dependable modern vehicle allows us to continue that legacy while helping students learn safely and confidently.”

The collaboration also extends into the classroom: McClinton’s Finance Director, Steven Webster, recently visited students to share practical insights on vehicle financing and ownership, helping prepare them not only for driving, but for real-world decision-making as future car owners.

Dr. Jackson emphasized that partnerships like this are key to WVU Parkersburg’s mission. “Community partnerships are essential,” she said. “WVU Parkersburg strength lies in our connections — with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and leaders who share our vision for a stronger Mid-Ohio Valley. When our community invests together, everyone achieves more.”

For more information or to register for an upcoming driver’s education session, contact:

The Workforce and Economic Development Division office at 304-424-8274 or visit https://www.wvup.edu/corporate-training/short-term-programs/