http://www.thedaonline.com/news/article_66f2e8c4-0f21-11e5-9026-23fc3d5cd97e.html
West Virginia University completed the $8 million purchase of the former Mountain State University campus in Beckley, West Virginia on June 1.
WVU entered a due diligence agreement with the MSU Board last November. According to Rob Alsop, vice president for legal and governmental affairs for WVU, many legal and logistical steps have taken place since then to ensure the completion of the purchase.
"The residents seem delighted that WVU Beckley is now a reality," Alsop said.
Detailed plans for opening the facility are currently in discussion, with one of the first acts being appointing Carolyn Long as the campus president. This is a dual role Long will hold while continuing to oversee WVU Tech, where she currently works. Officials also hope to open a Visitor’s Center on the WVU Beckley campus this summer and hire an admissions counselor for prospective students, although courses and degree offerings are still being developed.
"The goal is to admit students in the fall of 2016," Alsop said. "Our Board of Governors, our Academic Affairs, and facilities staffs and everyone in between are committed to a successful fall 2016 launch to meet the needs of the residents of southern West Virginia."
Alsop said WVU’s main campus in Morgantown will provide guidance and support for the new divisional campus in Beckley as they plan their opening.
Alsop also believes that the purchase will benefit local residents as well as area students. According to Alsop, area students will benefit from having access to programs centering on professions such as nursing, other allied health fields and programs relating to tourism and hospitality that are planned to be offered at the new campus.
"We’re also open to being a good partner with area colleges and technical schools to help grow additional educational opportunities," Alsop said. "(The former Mountain State University) will serve as a catalyst for students as well as adult learners."
Alsop and other officials hope the economic impact of the campus will benefit community businesses as well as the tax base as the campus gains enrollment. They also hope this purchase will help increase the number of college-educated people in West Virginia.
"That is our ultimate goal; to provide additional access to students who want to complete a college degree," Alsop said.
The University recently held a reception at Glade Springs, near Beckley, on June 4 in honor of the new purchase.
WVU offered to purchase the Beckley campus and assets for $8 million on December 31, and this offer was granted by the Mountain State board on January 16. The actions on June 1 completed the purchase and according to Alsop, officials are delighted the transaction is complete.
West Virginia University completed the $8 million purchase of the former Mountain State University campus in Beckley, West Virginia on June 1.
WVU entered a due diligence agreement with the MSU Board last November. According to Rob Alsop, vice president for legal and governmental affairs for WVU, many legal and logistical steps have taken place since then to ensure the completion of the purchase.
"The residents seem delighted that WVU Beckley is now a reality," Alsop said.
Detailed plans for opening the facility are currently in discussion, with one of the first acts being appointing Carolyn Long as the campus president. This is a dual role Long will hold while continuing to oversee WVU Tech, where she currently works. Officials also hope to open a Visitor’s Center on the WVU Beckley campus this summer and hire an admissions counselor for prospective students, although courses and degree offerings are still being developed.
"The goal is to admit students in the fall of 2016," Alsop said. "Our Board of Governors, our Academic Affairs, and facilities staffs and everyone in between are committed to a successful fall 2016 launch to meet the needs of the residents of southern West Virginia."
Alsop said WVU’s main campus in Morgantown will provide guidance and support for the new divisional campus in Beckley as they plan their opening.
Alsop also believes that the purchase will benefit local residents as well as area students. According to Alsop, area students will benefit from having access to programs centering on professions such as nursing, other allied health fields and programs relating to tourism and hospitality that are planned to be offered at the new campus.
"We’re also open to being a good partner with area colleges and technical schools to help grow additional educational opportunities," Alsop said. "(The former Mountain State University) will serve as a catalyst for students as well as adult learners."
Alsop and other officials hope the economic impact of the campus will benefit community businesses as well as the tax base as the campus gains enrollment. They also hope this purchase will help increase the number of college-educated people in West Virginia.
"That is our ultimate goal; to provide additional access to students who want to complete a college degree," Alsop said.
The University recently held a reception at Glade Springs, near Beckley, on June 4 in honor of the new purchase.
WVU offered to purchase the Beckley campus and assets for $8 million on December 31, and this offer was granted by the Mountain State board on January 16. The actions on June 1 completed the purchase and according to Alsop, officials are delighted the transaction is complete.
