Aaron Crites

The President's Report emphasized the importance of community college roles and highlighted inspirational stories from first-generation students. Committee reports included updates on enrollment rates, facility maintenance, and the thriving Cosmetology program from the Executive Committee. The Academic and Student Services Committee addressed the issue of fraudulent student enrollments involving fake identification used for financial aid access. The Administrative Services Committee reported receiving an unmodified opinion on the Annual Financial Audit with no material weaknesses noted. Information items covered a fiscal update through November 30, 2024, and updates on policies E-48 (Bookstores, Textbooks, and Open Educational Resources), E-52 (Capital Spending), and the acknowledgement of tuition and fee waivers for Fiscal Year 2024. Action items included the approval of updates to policies D-53 (Campus Participation of Students with Felony and Sexual Offense Records), B-26 (Employee Development), E-20 (Awarding of Student Tuition and Fee Waivers), and F-11 (Freedom of Expression on Campus). The Board also approved two new academic programs: AAS Radiologic Technology and CAS Computing Technologies, and approved educational partnerships to offer degree pathways at local correctional facilities.

The agenda for the Board of Governors meeting on March 18, 2025, included reports from the President and various committees (Executive, Academic and Student Services, Administrative Services). Information items covered a fiscal update for February 2025 and policy updates concerning Employee Development (B-26), Awarding of Student Tuition and Fee Waivers (E-20), Freedom of Expression on Campus (F-11). Action items focused on the approval of FY 2025-2026 Tuition Rates and Fees, the approval of one new program (CAS Advanced Manufacturing Technology) and five-year program reviews for 2024-2025. The Board also addressed the approval of updated policies related to Equal Opportunity (A-34), Harassment and Discrimination (A-44), adoption of BOG rules (A-45), organizational changes (B-05), and alternative work schedules (B-27). The meeting also scheduled executive sessions to discuss the Presidential Evaluation and the Presidential Contract Renewal, with a subsequent action item for the approval of the proposed President's Contract Renewal.

The document details the commencement ceremony for Wvu Parkersburg Fall 2025 graduates. The event included the pledge of allegiance and the singing of the national anthem by a student. Remarks were provided by Blaine Hess, Chair of the Board of Governors, emphasizing graduates' dedication, resilience, and the importance of relationships and legacy building. The President of the Student Government Association also addressed the graduates, highlighting their perseverance. The ceremony recognized the awarding of 467 credentials to 423 graduates, with specific honors mentioned. United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito was the keynote speaker, focusing on perseverance, the value of education, and continuing to contribute meaningfully to the community and nation.

The President's Report highlighted that WVU Parkersburg was recognized as one of the top 5 entrepreneurial colleges in the nation by NAACE and secured $45,000 in funding for the 'Forging Futures' welding initiative, which will provide industry-certified training to incarcerated individuals in the Mid-Ohio Valley to reduce recidivism. Committee reports covered enrollment reaching a new high of 3,015 students (a 9% increase for nine consecutive semesters), updates from the Academic and Student Services Committee on the Arts & Sciences Division, and an update from the Administrative Services Committee regarding the implementation of a new CRM System aimed at streamlining workflows and preventing fraud. Information items included a fiscal update and updates on Policy C-07 (Grade Point Averages), Policy E-04 (Travel), and Policy E-57 (Appropriate Use of Computer Resources). Action items included the approval of updates to several Board of Governors Policies: Policy B-13 (Part Time Classified Employees), Policy C-35 (Accreditation and Degree Standards), and Policy E-14 (Reduced Tuition and Fee Program for Residents at Least 65 Years of Age). The Board also approved one new program, the Certificate of Applied Science in Paraprofessional, and endorsed the ongoing use of in-state tuition rates for all newly approved 100% online degree programs.

The January 20, 2026, meeting agenda included committee meetings for the Executive Committee and the Academic and Student Services & Administrative Services Committees. Key discussion items involved a fiscal update ending December 31, 2025, and updates/approvals for several Board of Governors policies: Policy B-13 regarding Part Time Classified Employees, Policy C-35 concerning Accreditation & Degree Standards, and Policy E-14 on the Reduced Tuition & Fee Program for Residents at Least 65 Years of Age. Action items included the approval of an updated Policy B-50 on Meal Breaks and the approval of four new programs: BASBA Accounting, BASBA CPA Track, BASBA Financial Management, and AAS Emergency Medical Services.