College Profile

WVU Parkersburg enrolls approximately 2,500 students annually in credit classes and additionally serves the community with non-credit classes, seminars, workforce development training and workshops. Academic credits earned at WVU Parkersburg are transferable to any institution in the West Virginia higher education state system, as well as other accredited institutions throughout the country. WVU Parkersburg is the only public community college in West Virginia accredited to offer baccalaureate degrees. The college's primary service area consists of seven counties in West Virginia: Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood.

College History

WVU Parkersburg was founded in 1961 as the Parkersburg Branch of West Virginia University. In 1971, it became Parkersburg Community College, one of the state's first comprehensive community colleges. The institution was renamed WVU Parkersburg and rejoined WVU as a regional campus in 1989. State legislation in 2008 created a statewide network of independently accredited community and technical colleges, and, at this point, WVU Parkersburg became an independent institution while maintaining an affiliation with WVU. A Guaranteed Admission agreement allows students to complete their initial one to two years at WVU Parkersburg before moving on to complete select four-year programs at WVU. In 1974, the college established its Jackson County Center in Ripley.

Governance

WVU Parkersburg is under the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System. WVU Parkersburg is governed locally by the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors.

Accreditation

WVU Parkersburg is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, to offer Certificate, Associate, and Bachelor's degrees. The Higher Learning Commission may be contacted by writing Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, calling 800-621-7440 or visiting hlcommission.org.

College Mission

WVU Parkersburg provides accessible, life-changing educational opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.

College Vision

WVU Parkersburg is the region’s premier college recognized for quality education, commitment to student empowerment, workforce collaboration, and community involvement.

College Philosophy

The faculty, staff, and administration of WVU Parkersburg individually and collectively hold the responsibility of providing educational and cultural opportunities in the college’s service community, based upon the following principles:

1. Education holds a central position in the creation, development, and nurturing of a society.
2. Education should be constantly cognizant of the fact that all persons are individuals of worth and are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.
3. Education functions under the realization that equal opportunity to access and to benefit from teaching and learning must be afforded to all persons.
4. Education provides the opportunity for all citizens in a democratic society to explore, to discover, and develop their special aptitudes and interests.
5. Education holds as a sacred trust its responsibility to assist persons in their quest for a fulfilling life and for responsible citizenship in a world characterized by change.

College Goals

In support of its Philosophy and to accomplish its Mission, WVU Parkersburg will:

• Maintain and establish first-rate, relevant academic programs.
• Provide focused and effective student support.
• Be the region’s premier path to personal success through the recruitment, retention, graduation, and job placement of our students.
• Lead our region with excellent, sustainable facilities, and a financial condition that supports long-term institutional success.
• Foster excellent community relationships and maintain a superb reputation.
• Provide the optimal institutional climate for all campus members to achieve community success and professional satisfaction.

Jackson County Center

The Jackson County Center of WVU Parkersburg was established in 1974 as an outreach program in Jackson and Roane counties. Many services available on the Parkersburg campus are also available at JCC. Courses are offered which enable students to gain and complete various one-year Degree Certificates, Transfer Degrees such as the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science, or the AAS Board of Governors Degree. Students are also able to complete the general education requirements for various degree levels including Baccalaureate Degrees. Courses offered at JCC in conjunction with online and hybrid delivery provide the means to complete additional degrees through the Jackson County Center.

Caperton Center for Applied Technology

The Caperton Center for Applied Technology involves an innovative approach to deliver programs which respond to evolving employment needs. The facility is shared by WVU Parkersburg and Wood County Schools. High school students may earn high school and college credit in a number of dual credit courses, thus taking advantage of a seamless transition from high school to college.

WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, Inc.

The WVU Parkersburg Foundation, Inc. is an independent, non-profit, tax-exempt corporation organized to promote and support WVU at Parkersburg. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of business and community leaders. Each year the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation awards scholarships to students who demonstrate strong academic performance and academic promise. The WVU at Parkersburg Foundation also provides funds for staff and faculty professional development, and other institutional support.

Gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Support of the Foundation makes a significant impact on the college’s ability to encourage strong scholars, and maintain a commitment to educational excellence in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The Foundation’s administrative office is located on the Parkersburg campus. Information about donations to the Foundation and the scholarships available can be obtained by calling 304-424-8340 or by visiting www.wvup.edu/foundation.