Gov. Joe Manchin has appointed Andrew Payne, III of Charleston to the West Virginia University Board of Governors.
Payne, a Kanawha County businessman, was sworn in Friday morning (Dec. 15) during a conference call meeting of the 17-member panel.
He takes the place of Rod Thorn whose term expired.
We want to welcome Mr. Payne to the board and thank the governor for his thoughtful appointment,said WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr.Drews business background will be a great asset to the board.
We also want to thank Rod for his dedicated service to the board and his longstanding commitment to his alma mater.
Paynes term runs through June 2010.
In other business, the BOG approved the renovation of Maclin Hall and the Tech Center (student union) at WVU Institute of Technology in Montgomery, based on available funds.
Maclin Hall was built in 1939 and expanded in 1953 as a residence hall. It currently houses the West Virginia Corrections Academy. Plans are to renovate Maclin back to a residence hall. Renovations will include life safety, ADA compliance, bathroom, roof and interior cosmetic upgrades.
The Tech Center project includes modernizing the nearly 45-year-old facility and expanding the food service operation. The building houses the Bears Den cafeteria and is used for student activities.
A funding package for both projects is being put together, and renovations will not be done if funding is not available, officials said.
The board also approved an expansion of the Chemistry Research Laboratory Building (CLRB) on Morgantowns Downtown Campus. The $5 million addition will be constructed to the east of the CLRB , filling space between it and a new chiller plant building now under design. The project will be funded from $3 million in existing capital funds and a $2 million external gift.
In other action, the BOG :
-approved code of conduct and student academic rights and responsibilities policies at WVU Parkersburg.
-approved the termination of an A.A.S. degree in applied process technology at the Community&Technical College at WVU Tech.
-heard a key financial indicators, capital projects and real estate transactions update
In his report to the Board, Hardesty focused on issues stemming from a recent executive team exercise.
Competing globally for students and faculty as well as research dollars and private support will be even more important in the coming years, he said.
Planning for baby boomer retirements will also challenge the board in the years ahead, he added, and he urged the panel to continue to address compensation, salaries, Training, minority recruitment and succession planning.
Meeting the priorities of constituents is also important, he noted, such as continuing to serve as an economic engine in the state; as a leader in student-centeredness with students and parents; and as a recognized quality health care provider for patients.
Preparing for another private fund-raising effort also looms on the horizon, he added, and will require national and international outreach.
Graduate education and research are two other related areas where the University needs to focus strategically in the next several years.
We have an evolving research enterprise that requires a strong graduate education model,Hardesty said.A focus on graduate and professional programs is a natural evolution from the foundation set in changing the undergraduate experience. Likewise, it will require investments, provide opportunities for new revenues, and facilitate growth in our national partnerships and prestige.
Hardesty concluded by saying,WVU is poised to grow in terms of local and national impact, but current plans for growth will require close attention (by the Board and executive team) to detail.
To complete globally in this higher education market, we must recognize challenges and adapt to change.
The next meeting of the WVU Board of Governors will be Feb. 8-9 in Morgantown.