Messages from the Chair
June 8, 2009
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends of WVU:
The Board of Governors met in Montgomery this month at West Virginia University’s divisional campus, the WVU Institute of Technology (WVUIT).
We are proud of WVUIT and our other divisional campus, Potomac State College of WVU. While geographic distances may separate us, each maintains a distinct identity in the marketplace it serves and a solid strategic plan.
WVUIT, with its long-standing engineering and science programs, is poised for further development of these STEM disciplines in the future as they work to grow and strengthen enrollment.
As always, the Board had some important decisions to make this month. We approved a 4 percent increase in student tuition and fees for the 2009-2010 academic year—but not without much thought and discussion about the current economic hardships facing many families.
But in the end, if WVU is to continue its role as one of America’s leading land-grant institutions, competing for the best and brightest students, it is essential that we address ongoing operating costs. Those costs include helping fund the annualized pay raise that is so critical to the recruitment and retention of our quality faculty and staff…enhancements to our academic facilities such as the WVU Libraries…support for a new Child Care Center for employees and students…increases in utilities and insurance premiums…and other basic operating costs.
Even in these tough economic times, WVU cannot afford to lose it commitment to quality education and outstanding research. I hope that students and their families realize this and understand that WVU remains an excellent value—one of the most affordable of the nation’s public universities.
As part of our commitment to students, WVU and the State will continue to do everything we can to provide need-based and merit scholarships to aid students and families with their college costs.
The Board also approved an interim operating budget of $855.3 million at our June meeting, which includes projected growth in operating revenues from tuition and fees, grants and contracts and auxiliary enterprises and flat state appropriations and revenues.
In these uncertain and changing economic conditions, we will need to be even more strategic in identifying new sources of revenue and operating efficiencies moving forward. We must also preserve our land-grant mission while being mindful stewards of the support we receive.
WVU officials are “cautiously optimistic” that overall enrollment will hold steady at approximately 28,500 students this fall, with a targeted freshman class of between 4,500-4,700.
Interim President C. Peter Magrath reminded us that WVU exceeded its 2010 enrollment goal of 28,500 two years early, and while it is still too soon to know for sure, WVU appears to be on track with the enrollment goals that were set back in 2005—even in the face of a severe economic downturn. The growth WVU experienced these past several years exceeded original targets, so the University is essentially where it wants to be in terms of institutional capacity – the number of students we can handle in our residence halls, labs and classrooms.
Some promising current enrollment trends include the continuation of a strong freshman academic profile, increased registration for returning students over this time last year, an increase in Honors College applicants and a surge in graduate student enrollment – a testament to WVU’s strong reputation and quality academics.
The Board also surprised President Magrath with a lectureship in his name. The C. Peter Magrath Lectureship in Advancing the Public Land-Grant Mission will bring a prominent leader to campus for an educational and informational presentation on the redefinition of the land-grant university.
This lectureship is just one small way of expressing the Board’s gratitude—and the thanks of an entire University community—to a respected and experienced higher education leader.
Peter made it clear from his first day on campus that he came to West Virginia because he believed in WVU and its land-grant mission. But since then, he has said many times that he has fallen in love with this place we all care so deeply about. His service may be for just one year, but Peter Magrath’s impact will be felt for years to come. For his many contributions – especially his commitment to the redefinition of the land-grant university—we wanted him to know how special we think he is.
And, finally, let me say how honored I am that my colleagues re-elected me Chair of the Board. I am pleased to serve alongside some amazing men and women who care deeply about our University as I do. I will continue to devote myself to the important decisions we must make on behalf of a great University.
Carolyn Long
Chair
WVU Board of Governors
Feb. 6, 2009
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends of WVU:
This week has been a significant one. On Monday, WVU received a thorough and detailed report from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).
As many of you know, WVU officials asked this independent and nationally recognized consulting group to examine and review record management practices University-wide and to provide feedback on best practices.
The AACRAO examination looked at records across the schools and colleges as well as program-specific record- keeping for the College of Business and Economics.
Interim President Peter Magrath accepted AACRAO’S report, and noted that WVU has already begun to implement many of the observations, analysis and recommendations for best practices contained therein.
These action steps, as well as the full report, are posted on the Provost’ web site at http://www.wvu.edu/~acadaff/ .
One very important point Dr. Magrath made this week was this:
After thorough scrutiny and careful deliberation, the consultants found no malfeasance or misconduct on the part of any college, school or unit—in other words, they found no intent to misread or misreport academic credentials. But, rather, they found a record- keeping and record- reconciling system in need of significant overhaul, restructuring and realignment.
In essence, in the face of exponential growth in the University’s size, scope and complexity, and in light of dynamic changes in technology, ACCRAO found that the University official records maintenance system did not keep pace with the needs of its students, faculty and staff.
WVU officials and the Board agree with ACCRAO’s findings, and Dr. Magrath has said the University will act NOW to ensure that the institution represents the “gold standard” for University records management systems in the future.
He also noted that while we may have uncovered flaws and inefficiencies in our processes and procedures, these in no way reflect upon the success of our students, our graduates or the quality of their work and achievements.
Joint Agreement
Also, this week, officials at WVU Hospitals and Monongalia General Hospital signed an agreement renewing and updating a joint open-heart surgery program, reaffirming a commitment to bring high quality treatment to people facing life-threatening illnesses. It’s a shining example of what can be accomplished when an academic teaching hospital and a community hospital work together in the interests of better serving patients, and I applaud their efforts.
For more on that agreement, go to: http://www.health.wvu.edu/newsreleases/news-details.aspx?ID=1054
Distinguished Alumni
Tonight (Feb. 6) we will induct three individuals into the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni: Internationally respected business leader Greg Babe; the president of America’s largest physicians organization Dr. Nancy Nielson; and public relations executive Scott Widmeyer.
Mr. Babe is president and chief executive officer of Bayer Corp. and Bayer MaterialScience LLC; Dr. Nielsen is president of the American Medical Association and senior associate dean of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; and Mr. Widmeyer is chairman and CEO of Widmeyer Communications.
Their accomplishments are impressive, and a testament to what our graduates can achieve with the experiences, associations and education they received at WVU.
Presidential Search
In regard to the presidential search process, the committee will meet and talk with the preliminary candidates over the coming weeks, and still remains committed to providing finalists to the Board for an April decision. However, in all probability, the original timeline of mid-March for campus interviews and public meetings will not occur until later in March.
To keep abreast of search committee progress, check out the web site at: http://presidentialsearch.wvu.edu/ .
Other News
In other news, the BOG welcomed Diane Lewis of Morgantown to her first meeting. Mrs. Diane is founder, president and chief executive officer of Action Facilities Management Inc., (AFM) a female, minority-owned business that employs more than 100 workers. Gov. Joe Manchin announced her appointment last month, and we look forward to her insight and experience as we work in the best interests of WVU.
Carolyn Long
Chair
WVU Board of Governors
Dec. 12, 2008
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends of WVU:
As the holidays approach, I wanted to use this message to reflect on the many ways West Virginia University touches lives—whether it’s by providing community design teams to meet the tangible needs of our towns and cities…saving lives through advanced health care…developing environmentally responsible alternatives for coal…inspiring students to learn, discover and be all that they can be…or spurring economic development through the commercialization of products.
This year saw WVU refine and redefine its role as a 21st century land-grant University to serve the rapidly and dramatically changing needs of our state, our nation, and our world. And, it has never been more important—especially as we face the economic and societal challenges ahead—that we rest on the foundation of successes while we fashion a new future with our many communities and our constituents.
So, as we move into 2009, let’s work together to embrace our traditional land-grant mission and design strategies for our new challenges. Let’s find new ways to make higher education affordable and accessible…new ways to globalize our campus and our curriculums…to partner with experts and peers to help solve the energy crisis…and expand our research and development to save lives, create jobs and ensure the future for West Virginia and the world.
It has truly been my honor to serve as board chair these past six months, partnering with so many fine and talented men and women from across the professions, the state and the country. It has also been a thrill to meet and work with so many wonderful faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends of this University. The passion we all hold for this special place is truly unmatched.
I wish everyone a joyous holiday season, filled with the love of family and friends. With all of you, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities the New Year will bring.
Carolyn Long
Chair
WVU Board of Governors
Nov. 7, 2008
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends of WVU:
WVU is blessed to have many supportive graduates who provide significant contributions to their alma mater through service, leadership and commitment. Board of Governors Chairman Emeritus Curtis “Hank” Barnette and his wife, Joanne, are two outstanding examples.
On Friday, we dedicated the Barnette Board of Governors Room at the new Erickson Alumni Center in honor of their generous gift to the Alumni Association’s building campaign. The gift gives the Board a permanent new home in the Alumni Association’s “new home for Mountaineers.”
In June, Hank completed two consecutive four-year terms on the Board of Governors, including service as chairman from 2002-2004. Besides his leadership on the Board, he is currently chairing the search for WVU’s Vice President for Health Sciences and has served continuously on the WVU Foundation Board of Directors since 1987.
We are deeply grateful to Hank and Joanne for all they have done to contribute to the success of their alma mater, and we thank him them for their most recent gift of this beautiful Board Room which will now be our permanent home.
In other business, I am happy to report that the Board approved a 10-year agreement between the University and the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute —continuing the collaborative relationship the two parties have pursued since October 2000 – a collaborative quest to study, treat and eventually cure neurological diseases.
As we move forward in the pursuit of cures for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, WVU and the Institute will be working to attract leading scientists and federal, state and private funding.
As interim President C. Peter Magrath noted in his remarks, this health research effort will also have a tremendous impact on the diversification of jobs in the region and the state’s economy. And, after all, the mission of a land-grant university is to be a leader in understanding, articulating and meeting the changing needs of society.
Founded in 1999 buy U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, and named for his mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, the Institute is the only research institute in the world dedicated to both an understanding of how human memory works and advancing new discoveries that can identify, treat and repair damages from diseases and disorders that impact human memory.
I’m also happy to report that the WVU presidential search process continues to move forward.
At the Oct. meeting, all 15 voting members were present along with ex officio members Brian Noland, Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor (by phone), and Dr. Magrath.
The group signed a confidentiality/ethics agreement, reviewed social justice guidelines, outlined the timeline for the search and finalized the position announcement for posting to the web site and placement in national higher education publications this month.
The word is out about the WVU presidency and there is already strong interest in the position.
You’ll recall that in September the BOG approved a search timeline and set an April 3 deadline to hire our new president. We established a thorough process and an aggressive timeline. I am happy to report, we are on track.
Carolyn Long
Chair
WVU Board of Governors
Oct. 8, 2008
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends of WVU:
Today, the West Virginia University Board of Governors completed an important step in the search for the next president of WVU – naming our committee members. They are a diverse and inspiring group, ranging from a sophomore political science major and first-year medical student…to seasoned University professors and professional staff…to a parent of a current WVU student and a president emeritus of a leading higher education institution. It is important to remember they were all selected by their peers – validating their representation to this process and your commitment to its success.
For more details visit: presidentialsearch.wvu.edu.
The Board also approved a draft document outlining some of the attributes we’d like to see in our next leader. Some of those qualities include impeccable integrity and character; trustworthiness and accessibility; demonstrated leadership of a complex organization; and an understanding of the mission of a 21st century land-grant university—particularly a comprehensive institution that includes major research and academic medical center components.
The list also highlights the need for a demonstrated fund-raiser; successful communicator; a nationally recognized scholar; and a leader committed to raising the University’s national profile.
A leader with a commitment to students, to improving faculty and staff retention and recruitment, to quality and to a clear vision is also needed.
And, as always, we are seeking an individual who holds West Virginia University, and West Virginia, in the highest regard.
I am confident WVU has the right team in place – and the reputation—to attract this quality person.
I look forward to the process and to continuing my dialogue with you.
Carolyn Long
Chair
WVU Board of Governors
Sept. 12, 2008
Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends of WVU:
I was honored to preside over my first meeting as Chair of the West Virginia University Board of Governors today (Sept. 12, 2008). We covered a number of extremely important issues affecting WVU and its future – including the search for the next president of the state’s flagship, land-grant University. Because it is so important for the Board to establish an open and productive dialogue with WVU’s stakeholders, I will communicate with you regularly, highlighting key issues and priorities, and the Board’s role in guiding and supporting the University.
A detailed account of the Sept. 12 meeting and its outcomes is available online at http://bog.wvu.edu and http://wvutoday.wvu.edu. I encourage you to read the news and reports because, as a constituent of WVU, your input and your understanding of the key issues are essential to its success.
Surely, the most important action we took today involved the establishment of a 15-member, constituency-based presidential search committee. The panel will be inclusive and strategic – including representatives from faculty, staff, students, administration, the WVU Foundation, the WVU Alumni Association and the WVU Parents Club. Most importantly, these representatives will be selected by their peers to best represent each group.
I have agreed to serve as the vice-chair of the search panel, and the Board has appointed West Virginia native and past president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr Charles Vest, to be the second BOG search panel representative. And, I am especially pleased that former WVU president and nationally renowned higher education leader, Dr. Gene Budig, will lead the process. Dr. Budig’s understanding of both WVU and the national arena of public higher education will serve us well as we choose WVU’s next leader.
Because this selection is so vital to the University’s future, we have set an aggressive but very workable timeline. If all goes as planned, we expect to announce our new president in April.
While the successful selection of a new president will be one of the most important duties of the Board this year, the inclusion of our constituencies in the process of guiding and supporting WVU will be another. Our collective success will depend on your collaboration and collegiality. I look forward to working with and for all of you throughout the coming year.
Carolyn Long
Chair
WVU Board of Governors
