More than 40 members of West Virginia Universitys faculty will visit businesses and recreation areas May 9-10 to view firsthand ways that their teaching, research and service can make a difference. It is also a chance for faculty to learn about the states varied geography and the critical development needs faced by the state and its citizens. The West Virginia Country Roads Tour includes:


  • Wednesday, May 9, 8:15 a.m. WVU Jacksons Mill

  • Brunch, tour of the historic area, then learn about the master plan to update and enhance The Mill as a Center for Lifelong Learning.

  • Wednesday, May 9, noonThe Cultural Center in Charleston

  • Features tours of the CulturalCenter and Capitol. A discussion led by Kay Goodwin, secretary of the Department of Education and the Arts, concerning key issues facing the states higher education system.

  • Wednesday, May 9, 3:30 p.m.Madison

  • A walking tour of the downtown area and visits to the Coal Museum and Boone County Memorial Hospital. An evening dinner with community leaders and members of the Boone County Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association and the Mountaineer Parents Club.

  • Thursday, May 10, 9:30 a.m.DuPont Company in Washington

  • Tour the facility and learn about the companys products, workforce needs and partnerships with higher education.

  • Thursday, May 10, 11:30 a.m. WVU -Parkersburg

  • A luncheon hosted by WVU -P President Eric Bitterbaum will include community leaders, school administrators and faculty. Learn about the CapertonCenter for Applied Technology and higher education partnerships with business, industry and labor.

  • Thursday, May 10, 4 p.m.AnkerPark in Morgantown

  • Learn about the challenges of post-strip mining land use development, then visit Chaplin Hill where a reclaimed surface mine site is being developed into a multi-use recreational and educational facility called Anker Park.