West Virginia Universitys Board of Governors on Friday appointed a new president at WVU Institute of Technology and approved planning work for a biomedical sciences addition on the health sciences campus.

Charles E. Bayless, a 1968 WVU Tech graduate, will take the helm of his alma mater April 4. Bayless is the retired chairman, president and chief executive officer at Illinois Power Co.s Illinova Corp. Illinova merged with Dynergy in early 2000, and Bayless currently serves on that board as chairman of both the audit committee and the corporate governance and nominating committee.

Bayless replaces Dr. GalanLannyJaneksela, who has been serving as interim president since the retirement of Dr. Karen LaRoe last year.

The board also voted to proceed with construction planning for the new WVU Biomedical Science Research Center. Sen. Robert C. Byrd added $20 million to the federal budget to finance the project, which will house laboratories for faculty scientists from WVU s health sciences schools.

Today’s biomedical research is characterized by its multi-disciplinary approach,Byrd said in November.The new biomedical facility will pave the way for the future of WVU ’s medical research endeavorsspurring job creation, attracting top research professionals, and ensuring that the Byrd Health Sciences Center will continue to improve healthcare in the Mountain State for years to come.

WVU officials expect the rapid expansion of biosciences research will create hundreds of new jobs in North Central West Virginia over an eight-year period.

In other business, the board approved a budget revision for a year-long project to replace deteriorated heating pipes and remove asbestos spray-on fireproofing in Allen Hall.

The revision, based on more extensive analysis, increases the estimated project cost to $10.6 million from its original $7.5 million. The funds will come from available WVU revenue bonds and Higher Education Policy Commission bonds.

The project will start after the spring semester and require closing of the top five floors of the eight-story Allen/Percival Hall. Employees in the College of Human Resources and Education, the Davis Colleges Division of Family and Consumer Sciences, WVU Forensic and Investigative Sciences, Energy Express, Faculty Senate, and University Club will relocate to the former University Services Center for the 2005-06 academic year while work proceeds.

President David C. Hardesty Jr. updated the board on how the University is meeting its goals.

He pointed to the institutions sound financial footing with excellent bond ratings and low interest rates; an aggressive capital improvement plan including growth at health sciences, in housing accommodations and infrastructure; and new efforts in marketing and recruiting and strategic planning, among others.

Provost Gerald Lang spoke about the new strategic plan,Building the Foundation for Excellence,which will be launched in March with various subcommittees and more than 100 members. Faculty and student interaction are key to the plans success, he noted.

Central themes include: attracting quality students and graduating them, attracting and retaining quality faculty, enhancing the educational environment, promoting discovery and improving ones health and quality of life.

Searches for three University administratorsthe provost at Potomac State College of WVU and the deans of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business and Economicsare progressing, he added. These individuals should all be in place by July 1.

WVU at Parkersburg President Marie Gnage gave her annual report to the board, noting the institutions mission of offering academic and career programs ranging from certificates to baccalaureate degrees, and providing a site for graduate education. Dr. Gnage, who joined the campus in July, will be inaugurated at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2.

In other action, the board:

• approved policies on faculty and administrative productivity and on credit for public school service

• approved Dean of Medicine John Prescotts appointment to the United Health System Board of Directors

• approved suspension of the associate degree in paramedic science to WVU at Parkersburg

• approved the intent to plan for the transfer of administrative responsibility for the Regents Bachelor of Arts degree from the main campus to WVU Parkersburg for Parkersburg students