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.