WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors approves new programs, $2 million renovation and advances student success initiatives

Parkersburg, W.Va. (June 11, 2026) — The WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors met Tuesday, where members approved three new academic programs, authorized $2 million in renovations at the Innovation and Technology Center and received a major update on the college’s transition to fully independent administrative operations.

President Dr. Torie Jackson highlighted WVU Parkersburg’s upcoming launch of its own Human Resources and Business Services systems on June 27, a milestone in the college’s transition to fully independent operations after years of relying on administrative support from West Virginia University.

“This transition is about more than software or administrative systems. It is about strengthening WVU Parkersburg’s capacity to govern, manage, and support itself as an independent institution,” Jackson said. “The work being completed today will serve the college for many years to come.”

“Frankly, this is a project that could have continued to be delayed because maintaining the status quo would have been easier. Instead, our team embraced the challenge and committed to doing the hard work necessary to position the institution for long-term success,” she said.

Jackson gave particular recognition to Jeannine Hetrick-Ratliffe, executive director of Finance and Administration, CFO Bradley Wilson and Human Resources Executive Director Mary Bentz for their leadership throughout the transition.

The board approved three new academic programs: a Certificate of Applied Science in Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), a Certificate of Applied Science in Paramedic, and a Micro-Credential in Infant and Toddler care. The programs were presented by Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. David Lancaster.

The AEMT and Paramedic certificates form a stackable pathway, allowing students to enter and exit at each level. Lancaster said both programs were developed in direct response to community demand.

“This is what our community was asking for,” Lancaster said.

The Infant and Toddler Micro-Credential was developed in response to a change in state legislative rules requiring childcare workers serving children under 24 months to complete 40 hours of approved training. Lancaster said requests came from students, childcare centers and staff seeking flexible options that would not require missing work shifts. The course can be completed entirely online and is eligible for funding through WV STARS, meaning most participants can complete the training at no cost.

“The winners in this are all children under 24 months, followed by childcare centers, their workers and staff members,” Lancaster said.

Following an executive session on confidential financial matters, the board approved the use of up to $2 million in unrestricted reserve funds for renovations at the Innovation and Technology Center. Jeannine Hetrick-Ratliffe, executive director of Finance and Administration, confirmed the institution remains well within reserve guidelines established by the Community and Technical College system. Board member Savannah Morgan recused herself from the vote.

Chief Financial Officer Bradley Wilson reported that as of May 31, revenue collections stand at 94% of the current year’s budget, with expenditures at 86%. Billed tuition and fees have increased by more than $577,000 over last year, driven by enrollment growth now in its 10th consecutive semester. WVU Parkersburg’s current enrollment of 3,005 is the largest of any two-year institution in West Virginia, surpassing the next closest school by 457 students and ranking sixth among all 13 bachelor’s degree-granting institutions in the state.

“Despite increased marketing efforts and outreach by some of our fellow institutions coming into our area, we are still attracting a significant portion of the student population,” Wilson said. “This is a distinction I believe we all wish to maintain, and it reflects our collaboration and commitment to the area, the community, and our students, both current and future.”

Several policy updates — covering sabbatical leave, holidays, adjunct faculty and emergency call-in procedures — were approved and will be open for public comment.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026.