The Institute for Public Affairs, in the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, repeats its successful lecture and panel discussion series, West Virginia 2001, on Oct. 9, and continues its theme of examining the future of the Mountain State, its people, and its institutions.

The series begins with The Role of County Schools in Economic Development on Oct. 9 in the Greenbrier Room at the WVU Mountainlair from 4-5:15 p.m. Featured panelists include: Michael Vetere, superintendent of Monongalia County Schools; Laurie Robinson, development director of Chaplin Hill, Monongalia County School Foundation; and Marlene Lawrence, Monongalia County vocational director and principal of MTECH .

The second discussion, A Conversation with The Honorable Larry Starcher, is scheduled for Oct, 15, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Greenbrier Room. The featured speaker leading the discussion will be Larry Starcher, a graduate of WVU and a justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

“This series continues the popular West Virginia 2000 and West Virginia 2001 programs,”said Robert Dilger, director of the WVU Institute for Public Affairs.”Economic development and the role of government agencies in encouraging development are critical issues in our state, especially as we continue to move from an extraction-based economy to one focused on technology, health care, education, and tourism. Through this series, we aim to provide a forum at WVU for public discussions on these issues that directly or indirectly touch all of our lives.”

Each of these events is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Robert Dilger, Ph.D., at 304-293-5432.