News

Raleigh County Schools (RCS) and West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) are working collaboratively to host the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences’ Clay2Go mobile exhibit in Beckley.

This experience will give more than 2,000 students from the 17 RCS elementary schools the opportunity to expand their knowledge of principles in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through interactive play. It promotes critical thinking through trial and error, experimentation, problem-solving and independent learning. During their visit, students will also explore all that the WVU Tech campus has to offer during a campus tour and enjoy lunch in the dining hall.

“This partnership is another example of our Communiversity focus that ensures we are working hand-in-hand with educational partners like Raleigh County Schools and the Clay Center to provide educational and growth opportunities for our young people,” said Dr. T. Ramon Stuart, President of WVU Tech. “We want to make sure that students in our region see what is possible for their futures and that these educational and career opportunities are available to them right here at home at WVU Tech.”

“Raleigh County Schools continues to expand the learning environment for its students,” shared Dr. Serena Starcher, Superintendent of Raleigh County Schools. “Through this partnership with WVU Tech and the Clay Center, we believe our students have a tremendous opportunity to explore STEM-related fields and concepts. Also, as RCS strives to prepare students for their future, we look forward to providing them the opportunity to tour our local university. We hope this experience provides our students a small glimpse of what their future could hold and what is available to them here in Beckley.”

Groups of third through fifth grade RCS students will visit WVU Tech for the Clay2Go mobile exhibit from February 7 to February 29, 2024. The exhibit will be housed at the Neville Auditorium located at 410 Neville Street, Beckley, West Virginia.

In addition to serving students for school-based field trips, Raleigh County Schools will host family evening events on February 20 and February 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

“We are so proud to offer Clay2Go as a resource for public schools throughout the state. We believe every child in West Virginia deserves to learn about the scientific wonders of our world, regardless of whether they can make it to our permanent location in Charleston,” says Clay Center President and CEO Al Najjar.

For information about the school visits and family events, contact the RCS Superintendent’s Office at (304) 256-4500, ext. 3308.

West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) and Beckley Success Closet are joining forces to elevate opportunities for career success. This collaboration aims to transition the three-year-old Beckley Success Closet into a collaborative offering working with WVU Tech and other community organizations to meet the needs of the campus and larger community.
 
One of the founding members, Robert Dunlap, states the Beckley Success Closet, “has been a beacon of support for individuals seeking assistance in securing appropriate attire for job interviews and professional settings.”
 
“Recognizing the pivotal role attire plays in the employment process, WVU Tech has embraced the opportunity to enhance the Beckley Success Closet,” continued Dunlap. “The collaboration is not just about clothing; it symbolizes a commitment to equipping Beckley students and citizens with the tools and confidence necessary for success in their chosen career paths.”
 
"We are honored to partner with the Beckley Success Closet in this transformative and collaborative effort," said Dr. Ramon Stuart, president of WVU Tech. "This initiative aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide holistic support to our students and our Communiversity initiative. Together, we aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that individuals are not only academically prepared but also professionally equipped," Stuart shared.
 
Collaborations with community partners will allow for additional resources and programming to further enhance the career readiness of participants. 
 
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kristi Dumas, Owner of the Dumas Psychology Collective, April Elkins Badtke of Conservation Legacy, and all of our volunteers for making this initiative a success for the betterment of our City,” shared Dunlap.
 
Susan Wood, Director of Career and Professional Development, shared that while an official transition ceremony is not yet scheduled, WVU Tech volunteers will be working to sort and organize the clothing items in the coming months, working toward a ribbon cutting in the fall of 2024.

West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) has received a grant for more than$70,000 from the Health Sciences Technology Academy (HSTA) for a high school science, engineering, math, technology and medicine (STEM+M) Summer Institute this summer.

The partnership between WVU Tech and HSTA will allow for approximately 100 students high school sophomores and ten teachers from across West Virginia to visit WVU Tech during the summer. The students will explore STEM and health science opportunities by working with faculty at Tech. 

West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) has released its fall 2023 Dean’s and President’s lists.

A total of 319 students earned honors during the fall semester.

In all, 180 students were named to the Dean’s list, having earned a 3.5 GPA or higher. The University’s President’s list included 139 students who earned a 4.0 GPA.

The President’s and Dean’s list for both the Leonard C. Nelson School of Engineering and Sciences and the College of Business, Humanities and Social Sciences can be found here.

Students majoring in nursing or pre-nursing will be listed under the College of Business, Humanities and Social Sciences lists.

West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) is announcing a partnership with Chef Paul Smith. The agreement is specifically related to the two-year culinary program, which is offered through Potomac State College and hosted on WVU Tech’s campus in Beckley, which opened in 2020.

Smith is the first West Virginian to be a finalist for a James Beard Foundation award. Smith has multiple restaurants in the Charleston, West Virginia area, including 1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering, Ellen’s Ice Cream and The Pitch Sports Bar & Grill. He is also a chef partner with the Humble Tomato in Lewisburg, West Virginia, Barkadas in Charleston, West Virginia and Retro Hospitality, a hotel management group based in Richmond, Virginia.

For the first time, a graduate from the WVU School of Nursing Beckley Campus will be awarded the Nursing Alumni of the Year and honored at WVU Tech’s 2024 homecoming celebration. Stephanie McDougal is the inaugural winner.

Jonathan Grose, a two-time graduate of West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech), will be joining the team on January 2, 2024 to grow donor support at WVU Tech. He will collaborate with internal and external constituents and the WVU Foundation to cultivate donor relations and expand fundraising efforts for WVU Tech. 

Ahead of its upcoming homecoming celebration, West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) has announced the inaugural Golden Bear Alumni Association (TGBAA) Outstanding Alumni Award and Presidential Award winners.  Paul Mattox and James “Jim” Piercy are the TGBAA Outstanding Alumni Award recipients and the Presidential Award winner is Edward L. “Ed” Robinson.

What factors should people consider when choosing whether and where to travel for New Year's Eve?

The big factors to consider are: 1) How far do you want to travel and how will you travel? 2) Do you want a quiet cabin in the woods for respite and recreation or a night buzzing with lights, dancing, music, and friends? 3) How will weather and safety impact potential travel plans?