West Virginia University’s Board of Governors, meeting by conference call Friday (Dec. 10), approved three modifications to the University’s Research Strategic Plan. It also approved $88,201 in new Research Trust Fund contributions.

The research plan, originally approved by the Board in June 2008 to steer support to certain priority areas under the state’s Research Trust Fund, included a clause for modifications after two years.

Those approved changes are:

  • Adding forensic sciences as an area of emphasis under the biometrics, security, sensing and related identification technologies focus area, providing the opportunity for private and state investment in forensic research.
  • Adding a library endowment to support the acquisition of materials in the four research areas, clarifying the importance that library resources provide to a vibrant research agenda.
  • Removing the language “no research area may receive more than $17.5 million in private donations within the first two years,” allowing WVU to maximize private investment regardless of the focus area.

The $88,201 in new Research Trust Fund contributions being submitted for state matching funds comes from three sources:

  • Martha Gaines & Russell Wehrle Memorial Foundation Pediatric Research Endowment – $50,000,
  • E. Jane Martin Research Doctoral Fund – $24,999,
  • Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research Endowment – $13,202.

With this request, private and state dollars combined will bring WVU’s total to just over $17 million in investments in key research areas.

In other action, the Board approved honorary degree candidates, with names withheld until all are notified and have accepted.

BOG secretary John T. “Ted” Mattern was also congratulated on his appointment as West Virginia Superintendent of Schools. The temporary appointment, effective Jan. 4, will continue until a permanent replacement is named for retiring Superintendent Steven Payne. Mattern is a former teacher, principal and county superintendent.

The BOG’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Feb. 4, 2011.

-WVU-

bl/12/10/10

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