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.”