WVU Parkersburg Board approves $7 million investment in ITC, supporting student success

Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 20, 2025) — From multimillion-dollar campus improvements to welcoming a passionate new student voice, WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, August 19, showcased a college driving innovation.

The Board approved $7 million from unrestricted reserves to support continued renovations and expansion of the Innovation and Technology Center (ITC). The center’s West Wing officially opened this fall with 159 students enrolled in Computer Science and Computer Information Technology courses.

Board Chair Blaine Hess praised the WVU Parkersburg ITC for its opening and expressed excitement about the campus’ future and the impact it will have on students, the local economy, and the Mid-Ohio Valley.

In addition, the board welcomed Trista Scarberry, who was sworn in as the student representative by the Honorable Timothy Sweeney, 3rd Circuit Court Judge.

Scarberry, a Ripley native and 2022 Ripley High School graduate, transferred to WVU Parkersburg in spring 2024 after previously studying nursing at Fairmont State University. Now an elementary education major with double emphases in mathematics and special education, she serves as Student Government Association president and is deeply involved on campus and in her community.

“Being part of the Board of Governors is such an exciting opportunity,” Scarberry said. “WVU Parkersburg makes me feel like more than just a student — I’m able to build real relationships with mentors, administrators, and community leaders. I can’t wait to represent my fellow students and help strengthen engagement across campus.”

Scarberry’s leadership extends beyond campus. She works in WVU Parkersburg’s Financial Aid office, at CAMC Memorial as a patient transporter, and with WVU Extension, where she helps lead 4-H camps statewide. She also serves as secretary of the Ripley High School FFA Alumni chapter.

The meeting also highlighted the college’s continued enrollment growth. Student enrollment over the summer saw a 15% increase in FTE enrollment for programs, and fall enrollment is up 8%, marking the ninth consecutive semester of growth.

In her president’s report, Dr. Torie Jackson discussed several new initiatives. The college is launching the STAND program, a statewide initiative for skilled trades, apprenticeships, and non-traditional degrees, with Jeff Holland serving as the instructor for students in the program. Over the summer, administrators established an Artificial Intelligence Task Force led by Dr. Kyle Landcaster. The group will identify opportunities to use AI to enhance student support, academic delivery, staff productivity, and operational cost efficiency, and will prepare recommendations for the President on AI tools and implementation projects.

Additionally, WVU Parkersburg is equipping its campus community with skills to respond to individuals in crisis. Sixteen faculty and staff members have completed mental health first aid training to recognize signs of mental health and substance use concerns, helping create a safety net of care across classrooms, offices, and student spaces.

“We shall bravely take the steps for growth, because within this campus community, and with the support of our board, we know that together we can achieve more,” said Jackson.

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2025.

As required by the U.S. Department of Education’s 1979 Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination, WVU Parkersburg is proud to offer more than 40 degree programs and certificates within these academic areas: Professional Studies, Nursing & Health Sciences, Workforce, Technical and Computer Information Science and Arts & Sciences. Additionally, the college offers early college opportunities for high school students, technical training and workforce development, and community education classes. Visit wvup.edu for more information.

Admission to WVU Parkersburg is open to any individual who meets the institution’s open admissions policy. Applicants for admission or employment, students, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all third parties holding professional agreements with WVU Parkersburg are hereby notified that this institution is committed to nondiscrimination in admission, employment, educational programs or activities and in employment or employee health benefits. Also, it is the policy of WVU Parkersburg to prohibit harassment (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) of students and employees. Faculty, staff, students and applicants are protected from retaliation for alleging discrimination or assisting in an investigation of discrimination.
WVU Parkersburg is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, ancestry, or national origin in admission, employment, educational programs or activities. Further, faculty, staff, students, and applicants are protected from retaliation for making complaints or assisting in investigations of discrimination.
Any person with inquiries regarding WVU Parkersburg’s compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is directed to contact the individual designated to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing these laws:

Mary Bentz, Executive Director, Human Resources and Compliance
WVU Parkersburg
300 Campus Drive, Room 1008
Parkersburg, WV 26104
Office: 304-424-8212; Fax: 304-424-8302
Email: Mary.Bentz@wvup.edu
Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 or ADA complaints may also be filed with the Regional Office for Civil Rights: U.S. Department of Education; Philadelphia Office for Civil Rights; 100 Penn Square East, Suite 515; Telephone: 215-656-8541; FAX: 215-656-8605; TDD: 800-877-8339; Email: OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov.

Employees and applicants for employment may also file employment discrimination complaints with the Regional Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; 801 Market Street, Suite 1300; Philadelphia, PA 19107-3127; Telephone: 800-660-4000 / 215-440-2601; Fax: 215-440-2606; TTY: 800-669-6820.

WVU Parkersburg awarded $469,183.79 agriculture grant to boost food resiliency, education

Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 7, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg has been awarded a $469,183.79 grant from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to strengthen agriculture education and improve food system resiliency in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

The funding, part of the state’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, will support expanded educational opportunities, increased food processing capabilities and further development of WVU Parkersburg’s Riverhawk Farm.

“We are incredibly excited and honored to receive the RFSI grant,” said John Riggs, Agriculture Director at WVU Parkersburg. “It’s a transformative opportunity that supports our continued efforts to elevate agriculture education and local food systems in the Mid-Ohio Valley. This funding reflects the growing recognition of the importance of hands-on training and agricultural innovation.”

The grant was awarded through a competitive selection process led by an independent review committee.

“We established an independent ranking committee that removes politics from the process and lets the experts select the application with the greatest potential impact,” said Norm Bailey, Chief of Staff at the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. “WVU Parkersburg stood out for its ability to drive positive change in agriculture and community resilience.”

The funding will benefit Riverhawk Farm by expanding student and producer processing capacity, particularly for produce and honey. It will also support construction of state-of-the-art facilities for hands-on student learning and modern agricultural technology training.

“These upgrades will support Riverhawk Farm’s role in training the next generation of agricultural professionals while boosting local food security and production capacity,” Riggs said.

Bailey said WVU Parkersburg is “on the ground floor doing something great.”

“This is going to help push them to the next level, teaching the community about the value of agriculture and improving our food system from the ground up,” he said.

Bailey also emphasized how the derecho in 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in the national food supply chain.

“Our food supply chain is very fragile,” he said. “By producing our own products locally, we can help prevent shortages, improve food quality and strengthen our local economy.”

Riggs said the grant elevates Riverhawk Farm’s position in the region.

“This grant positions Riverhawk Farm as the agricultural hub of the Mid-Ohio Valley,” he said. “It strengthens our educational infrastructure and our region’s food system resilience.”

He also thanked key partners and supporters.

“We are incredibly thankful to Dr. Bobbi Marshall for her leadership, the entire Riverhawk Farm team for their dedication, and the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation for their continued support,” said Riggs. “Special thanks also go to our agriculture partners and supporters, including the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, Jay-Bee Oil & Gas, Hall Drilling, Perkins Supply, Mike and Brenda Miller, and all who believe in our mission to grow local agriculture through education and innovation.”

WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors reviews policy changes, celebrates enrollment growth and student success

WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors to Meet June 11

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 22 2025) — WVU Parkersburg is proud to announce a transformational step in its history: the introduction of on-campus residence halls, owned and operated by the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation. Driven by a commitment to expand access to education and foster student success, this project marks a bold new chapter for the college and its future. 

“The decision to bring residence halls to WVU Parkersburg was a mission-driven choice by the Foundation’s Board of Directors,” said Olivia Reeder, President and CEO of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation. “They recognized that housing is critical to expanding access, supporting student success, and growing the college’s reach. As WVU Parkersburg launches new programs through the Innovation and Technology Center and serves an evolving student population, the need for on-campus housing has become more urgent.” 

The residence halls will directly advance WVU Parkersburg’s mission by removing barriers for students who face housing insecurity or live beyond commuting distance. Housing will not only support academic and workforce programs but also help foster a stronger, more engaged campus community. 

For clarification, the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation will own the residence halls and have stepped in to make this vision a reality. 

“By owning the residence halls, the Foundation ensures that WVU Parkersburg can offer student housing while remaining compliant with state regulations,” Reeder explained. “It’s a demonstration of our deep commitment to student access and long-term growth.” 

The new residence halls will house students ages 18–22 and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure equitable access. WVU Parkersburg students interested in these housing opportunities should contact the Foundation at 304-424-8340 for more information and for student verification.

Named The Residences at ITC, these single-unit facilities will open for occupancy in August 2025. The first 55 units will be available – 28 for female students and 27 for male students. Amenities provided with the room will be a bed, desk, wardrobe, and sink, as well as on-site laundry and free Wi-Fi internet access.

The Innovation and Technology Center project began with a generous donation from The Ross Foundation. This additional opportunity for students in regards to housing is made possible by the support of the Foundation and Pickering Land Group, the third-party property management operator. PLG is ensuring professional management and a student-centered residential experience. The Foundation will retain ownership of the halls in perpetuity, securing a sustainable future for residential life at the college. 

In addition to housing, the Innovate Capital Campaign continues to offer opportunities for community members to support the broader transformation underway at WVU Parkersburg, including scholarships; the Innovation and Technology Center naming opportunities for classrooms, conference rooms, and many other on-site locations; and new programming initiatives that directly impact student success. 

“The Innovation and Technology Center represents a bold investment in the future of our region. For donors, it’s an opportunity to be part of something lasting—something that creates real impact by empowering students, attracting industry, and revitalizing a once-quiet campus into a hub of opportunity. Your support doesn’t just build a building; it builds a legacy,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Torie Jackson.

According to Reeder, the addition of student housing will reshape the trajectory of WVU Parkersburg over the next decade. “It positions us to grow strategically, attract a broader and more diverse student population, and enhance campus vibrancy. This project is a foundational step in transforming WVU Parkersburg from a primarily commuter campus into a true destination campus — one known for opportunity, innovation, and community.” 

The WVU Parkersburg Innovation and Technology Center will also open in August 2025.

The WVU Parkersburg ITC will serve as a hub for high-demand career and technical programs, including Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Network Administration, Cloud Computing and Mechanical Engineering Technology. 

According to Dr. Jackson, “This facility will offer students advanced training and modern lab spaces to prepare them for in-demand careers in technology and engineering. In addition to academic offerings, the ITC will host industry partners co-located on-site to provide hands-on training, internships, and direct employment pipelines. The campus will also support community needs through childcare services, workforce credentialing, and access to regional transportation routes. Together, we can achieve more.”

Camden Clark to offer childcare services to staff in partnership with WVU Parkersburg and Bright Beginnings

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 13, 2025) — WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Community Resources have partnered to offer expanded childcare solutions for Camden Clark employees at a new Bright Beginnings childcare center to be located at the WVU Parkersburg Innovation and Technology Center on the former Ohio Valley University campus.

The collaborative effort amongst the organizations aims to address challenges experienced by Camden Clark staff and members of the local community including access to reliable and affordable childcare.

“We are thrilled to be part of this partnership, and excited for the potential benefits and opportunities this can provide for our employees. This collaboration aligns with WVU Medicine’s ongoing commitment to support our staff in achieving work-life balance by offering convenient childcare services for their families,” said Sean Smith, WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center President & CEO. “This initiative will continue to strengthen our longstanding alliance with WVU Parkersburg, and incorporating Community Resources and Bright Beginnings is sure to provide benefits for our staff and the community alike.”

By addressing childcare needs amongst Camden Clark staff, the new childcare benefit is expected to enhance employee satisfaction and retention. Such initiatives reflect WVU Medicine Camden Clark’s broader strategy to support its workforce through comprehensive benefits and community partnerships.

“This project is not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about building a stronger future for working families in our region. Access to high-quality, affordable childcare is a game-changer for parents striving for economic stability. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this transformative effort with WVU Parkersburg and WVU Medicine Camden Clark,” said Michelle Barber, Community Resources Executive Director and CEO.

The new Bright Beginnings childcare center on the expanded WVU Parkersburg campus is slated to open in the fall of 2025.

“This collaboration with WVU Medicine Camden Clark and Community Resources is more than a childcare solution—it’s a bold investment in the future of our workforce and our region. By expanding access to high-quality early childhood care at the Innovation and Technology Center, we are removing barriers for students, employees and community members who are working hard to build better lives,” said Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg President & CEO. “WVU Parkersburg is proud to be part of a partnership that understands the power of wraparound support in creating true opportunity. Together, we can achieve more.”

WVU Parkersburg hosts 54th Annual Spring Commencement

Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 10, 2025) — WVU Parkersburg celebrated its 54^th annual spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, honoring 383 graduates who earned a total of 480 academic credentials. Of those, 206 graduates participated in the ceremony, marking the largest number of attendees in the college’s history.

WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors Vice Chair Blaine Hess opened the ceremony with greetings on behalf of the board. He commended the graduates’ diverse backgrounds, resilience, and personal growth throughout their academic journey.

“This is not the end, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and opportunity,” Hess said.

Student Government Association President Isabella Hileman then addressed this year’s graduates, reflecting on their shared experiences, sacrifices, and the lessons learned inside and outside of the classroom.

“Remember that setbacks aren’t roadblocks but instead steppingstones for a brighter future,” Hileman said.

President Dr. Torie Jackson welcomed family members, faculty, and guests, and recognized the vital role of support networks in each graduate’s success. She celebrated the college’s mission to empower students and elevate the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“We believe in you, and today, we all celebrate success with you,” Jackson said.

Keynote speaker Joe Oliverio, former chair of the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors and lifelong educator, delivered an inspiring address. Using a scuba diving metaphor, he urged graduates to dive fully into life’s opportunities, embrace their self-worth, and find strength in even the smallest things—like the symbolic value of a penny.

“Just like pennies, you are worth more than you may imagine—and we need you to make the difference in our world,” Oliverio said.

Oliverio, of Belmont in Pleasants County, has devoted more than 40 years to education and public service. He has served as a teacher, principal, executive director, and board leader across numerous state and national organizations. He currently serves on the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education. Outside of education, Oliverio serves with the Pleasants County Sheriff’s Department and evaluates college basketball officials. He and his wife, Paula, share a love for scuba diving, performing in community theater, and have explored all seven continents.

Record Participation and Degree Awards

This year, the college awarded 480 credentials to 383 graduates, including 349 associate or certificate degrees and 131 bachelor’s degrees. An additional 66 students completed non-academic workforce programs, with 213 total graduates participating in the ceremony — 206 academic and 7 non-academic. Academic honors were conferred upon 63 cum laude, 54 magna cum laude, and 30 summa cum laude recipients.

Special Recognitions

WVU Parkersburg also honored several individuals for distinguished service:

• Honorary Bachelor of Arts degrees were awarded to Donna Smith, JP Hushion, Jason Landers and Joe Oliverio, all former members of the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors.
• Charles Almond, distinguished chair of entrepreneurship, was named the Bernard P. McDonough Foundation Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year for his leadership in curriculum innovation and student engagement.
• David Thompson, professor of psychology, received emeritus status in recognition of 20 years of dedicated service.

WVU Parkersburg Board discusses Innovation Drive, new initiatives and Farm-to-School program

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 28, 2025) —WVU Parkersburg’s Board of Governors met Tuesday, April 15, where President Dr. Torie Jackson highlighted updates on the Innovation and Technology Center, the What’s Your Thing? Initiative, and the Riverhawk Farm during her report.

“The City of Vienna recently approved our request to rename Campus View Drive to Innovation Drive – the roadway that leads to our new Innovation and Technology Center (ITC). This change is more than symbolic; it reflects the transformation already underway, where the once-quiet street now serves as the gateway to a bold new future for education, workforce development and entrepreneurship in our region,” Jackson said. “As we prepare to open the doors to the Innovation and Technology Center, the new name sets the tone for what lies ahead: a hub where students will gain hands-on experience alongside industry partners, where local businesses will collaborate on real-world projects, and where ideas will be nurtured into solutions that benefit the entire Mid-Ohio Valley. ‘Innovation Drive’ represents our direction, our mindset and our invitation for the community to join us on a path paved with opportunity.”

The What’s Your Thing? Initiative is aims to connect students’ personal interests with potential college and career paths through immersive, guided experiences on campus. Eighth-grade students from VanDevender Middle School visited the campus, where they explored classroom demonstrations, participated in skills-based activities and engaged in career conversations with WVU Parkersburg faculty and staff.

“The event not only provided practical exposure to various fields, but also inspired students to consider new career possibilities, with some expressing newfound interests in professions like nursing and welding,” Jackson said.

Jackson explained that this is only the beginning of the program, with plans to expand it to more eighth-grade classes across the region and introduce follow-up components for students in ninth through 12th grade.

“Our Riverhawk Farm has been a dynamic center of agricultural education and community engagement. This year, we hosted the inaugural Agriculture Expo and welcomed more than 20 vendors and organizations to connect with students and showcase the region’s agricultural opportunities,” Jackson said. “Additionally, the Farm to School Agrication program provides high school students with hands on experience in farming practices – from harvesting potatoes to learning about sustainable agriculture –while earning a stipend for their work. These initiatives not only educate but also inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals.”

Jackson said the F2S Agrication program will continue this year, supported by a $114,435 Perkins Collaborative Reserve Grant that was awarded just last week.

The farm has also received several other contributions, including:

• $150,000 from Mike Miller
• $139, 749. 19 from the Specialty Crop Block Grant for Veterans & Heroes Specialty Crop Education Program
• $61,000 from the Benedum Foundation for the F2S Agrication program
• $39,925 from the West Virginia First Foundation for the F2S Agrication program
• $6,500 from Farm Credit of the Virginias for workforce development in agriculture
• $53,000 from the Specialty Crop Block Grant to enhance specialty crop production in the Mid-Ohio Valley
• $10,000 from the Tilmor Tractor Grant

While addressing action items on the agenda:

• The board unanimously approved the 2025-26 Fiscal Year Budget
• The board unanimously approved an articulation agreement with WVU to offer an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology at WVU Parkersburg, allowing students to transfer to WVU to complete their bachelor’s degree

The next WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.