Around 40 West Virginia University faculty members will learn more about how the University is involved in the state when they travel to eastern West Virginia May 15-16 as part of the West Virginia Country Roads Scholars Tour.

“Last spring, nearly 40 faculty members joined us for a two-day tour of sections of central, southern and western West Virginia,”said WVU Provost Gerald Lang.”Based on the success of that trip, we planned another state tour, this year to eastern West Virginia.”

Faculty members can gain a better understanding of some of the states growth and workforce issues, learn how WVU is partnering with communities to enhance the states quality of life and interact with other faculty and community leaders, Lang said.

On Wednesday (May 15), participants will visit WVU Potomac State College, the Byrd Rocket Center Complex, U.S. Silica and the National Conservation Training Center.

Thursdays (May 16) itinerary includes stops at WVU s Tree Fruit Research and Education facility at Kearneysville, U.S. Coast Guard Operations System and Quad Graphics.

Also Thursday, participants will join other WVU faculty and prospective WVU students from the Martinsburg area at a Rotary luncheon that will feature a presentation on”What Do Parents and Youth Expect from a College Education?”

The event is co-sponsored by the WVU Provosts Office and WVU Extension.

“This years tour will provide faculty the opportunity to enrich their understanding of the state and share insights with other state educators, legislators and business men and women,”said WVU Associate Provost and Extension Director Larry Cote.”This experience is certain to reinforce the value of teaching, research and public service activities to the states future growth and development.”

The tour is open to all WVU faculty, including those at the three regional campuses. It is, however, limited to 45 participants, with preference given to those who have been hired within the past three years.