Glenville State College and WVU officials have initiated informal discussions to examine possible collaborative affiliations between the two institutions, both presidents confirmed Friday (Feb. 8).


The GSC Board of Advisors on Feb. 8 passed a resolution empowering GSC President Thomas Powell to proceed with strategic discussions to explore areas for possible alignment with WVU .


The move, officials say, is in response to Senate Bill 653 that calls for the combination and use of resources, technology and faculty to their maximum potential in a way that makes West Virginia higher education more productive than peer institutions in other states. The legislation also calls for state universities to ensure that every region of the state has access to stable and continuing graduate level programs, particularly in teacher education.


“Although these discussions are at a very preliminary level, we see an outstanding opportunity for GSC students, faculty and staff, as well as the citizens of central West Virginia, to benefit from a possible affiliation with West Virginia’s flagship institution,”Dr.Powell said.


WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. noted that in July 2000 he sent a letter to college presidents across the state inviting them to reflect on ways in which schools could work to be more helpful to their regions.


In the wake of the new legislation and WVU ’s land-grant mission to serve the entire state,”it seemed right to explore collaborations,”he noted.


“Dr. Powell presents a compelling case for considering a possible affiliation between the two institutions,”Hardesty added.”While we cannot predict the outcome, it is clear that there are enough advantages for both institutions to continue further discussions.”


Representatives from the Higher Education Interim Governing Board, Policy Commission and Central Office have been briefed on the meetings between the two presidents and their leadership teams.