Tag: gordon gee

College Policy Oversight Agency Chairman Counters Criticisms

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s board chairman is defending the agency against criticisms from West Virginia University President Gordon Gee.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports board Chairman Michael Farrell sent members of the governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Four-Year Higher Education a letter this week defending the Policy Commission and countering Gee’s disapproval.

Farrell’s letter says the urgency and brevity of time the Policy Commission has to complete its mission, including implementing the state accountability system over colleges’ funding, has deprived the Blue Ribbon Commission the opportunity to objectively learn about the value the Policy Commission has added to schools.

West Virginia University News Director April Kaull said in an email Tuesday afternoon that Gee was still reviewing the letter. She didn’t say why Gee considers the Policy Commission burdensome.

University President Calls Proposed Funding Model 'Flawed'

A co-chair on a state education panel has accused the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission of being an agency of regulations rather than oversight.

West Virginia University President Gordon Gee, who co-chairs the Blue Ribbon Commission on Four-Year Higher Education, cited the commission’s proposed funding model.

The Register-Herald reported Friday that Gee opposes a model that would base general revenue appropriation on factors weighed by academic discipline, course level and high-risk student status. The “Student-Focused Funding model” would cut funding at three state institutions.

Gee claims the commission came up with a model without further examining the institutions’ needs.

He says the panel and the commission will examine the state’s funding and sustainability in making sure that every student in the state has access to great opportunities.

Governor Talks Budget Surplus & Future of Higher Education System

West Virginia ended its 2018 fiscal year with a budget surplus of almost $30 million, according to Governor Jim Justice. Next, the governor said he’ll look to improving the state’s higher education system.

The governor said Monday in a press conference, 2012 was the last time West Virginia ended a year with a surplus without mid-year cuts.

He said tax revenues were up across the board this past fiscal year, including both income and coal severance taxes. Justice also noted companies are doing well and generating increased income for the state. He also said construction jobs had increased significantly.

Following the revenue update, the conversation shifted onto higher education.

Justice announced the creation of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Four-Year Higher Education – intended to study all of the state’s four-year institutions and figure out what’s working and what’s not. The commission will review things like redundant programs, and look at how to help the schools thrive in the most efficient way.

The governor said there are several schools in the state on, “the brink of closure.”

“I don’t want us to lose those institutions in those communities,” he said, “because those institutions are vital to those communities, and those schools need to thrive and move forward.” 

Co-chairs on the commission are Gordon Gee; President of West Virginia University, Kendra Boggess; President of Concord University, and Jerry Gilbert, President of Marshall University.

WVU President Says its Talent Obligates Economic Leadership

West Virginia University President Gordon Gee says he’s committing the school to innovation and research, supporting local business, talent expansion and alumni outreach as part of a statewide economic initiative.

In his state of the university address Monday, Gee says WVU and its affiliated medical center are West Virginia’s largest employer and economic engine, and its collective talent obligates its leadership in advancing the state.

He also notes that the Legislature has cut support more than $38 million the last four years, and WVU has enrolled a record 6,200 first-time freshmen on its Morgantown, Beckley and Keyser campuses.

That class has higher test scores, grade averages and international students, and the largest honors class in history in Morgantown with 921 students.

Gee says that happened while substantially raising admissions standards.

Defending State Funding and Tuition Increases for Higher Ed

The state Legislature just cut $16 million from higher education, starting this month. Meanwhile, WVU announced a 5 percent tuition increase.

What’s that mean for students and the state as a whole? We have WVU Vice President for Legal, Government and Entrepreneurial Engagement Rob Alsop on The Front Porch podcast.

Welcome to “The Front Porch,” where we tackle the tough issues facing Appalachia the same way you talk with your friends on the porch.

Hosts include WVPB Executive Director and recovering reporter Scott Finn; conservative lawyer, columnist and rabid “Sherlock” fan Laurie Lin; and liberal columnist and avid goat herder Rick Wilson, who works for the American Friends Service Committee.

An edited version of “The Front Porch” airs Fridays at 4:50 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s radio network, and the full version is available at wvpublic.org and as a podcast as well.

Share your opinions with us about these issues, and let us know what you’d like us to discuss in the future. Send a tweet to @radiofinn or @wvpublicnews, or e-mail Scott at sfinn @ wvpublic.org

The Front Porch is underwritten by the Pulitzer Prize-winning Charleston Gazette-Mail. Find the latest news, traffic and weather on its CGM App. Download it in your app store, and check out its website: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/

Two Men Appointed to West Virginia University Governors Board

West Virginia University says two men have been recently appointed to its board of governors.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reported on Wednesday that a university news release says West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice appointed Elmer F. Coppoolse and Tim Bailey to the board. WVU president Gordon Gee says both will be key leaders, continuing their predecessors’ momentum.

The state senate must confirm every appointment the governor makes to the board. Senate spokeswoman Jacque Bland says Coppoolse was confirmed May 16 and that Bailey won’t be considered until the next time the full legislature meets.

Coppoolse replaces resigning Greg Babe, and is chief operating officer of The Greenbrier and a managing partner of Glade Springs, two resorts Justice’s family owns.

Bailey, a Charleston lawyer, replaces Diane Lewis, who was ineligible for reappointment.

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