West Virginia Higher Education Policy
Commission Chancellor Sarah Armstrong Tucker joined several college and
university presidents who also participated in today’s virtual meeting.
“I would like to thank Governor Justice for convening presidents from all
of our public and private institutions today to talk about their plans
for safely reopening to students this fall. Since March, West Virginia’s
colleges and universities have coordinated with state officials, their
local health departments, and one another to ensure the safest possible
transition back to school. We know students are anxious to return, but we
also know they and their loved ones are rightfully concerned about their
well-being – and so are we. I am incredibly proud of the work our
colleges and universities have done, and the strong measures they have
put in place, to ensure our students can continue their education while
being protected. From offering more classes online than ever before, to
thinned-out classrooms and dorm rooms, testing requirements and so much
more, our institutions’ campus plans prioritize student and campus
safety. We’re counting on students to follow their campus protocols, and
we’re excited to welcome them back.” –Sarah Armstrong Tucker, Chancellor, West Virginia
Higher Education Policy Commission & Community and Technical College
System
“West Virginia University stands ready to do all we can to support our
students, faculty, staff and community as we resume classes this fall. We
appreciate the Governor's guidance and assistance as we navigate
uncharted waters. Our priority as a land-grant university is to serve the
people of this State. We will continue to do that in the safest and
healthiest ways possible.” –E.
Gordon Gee, President, West Virginia University
“I welcomed the opportunity this afternoon to meet with Governor Justice
to share Marshall’s plans for making the fall semester as safe as we
absolutely can for our students, faculty and staff. This will be an
unusual and challenging semester, and we are prepared for it based on
best public health practices and advice from our medical experts. By
offering a plan that includes hybrid courses and some components of
online instruction, we will be able to ensure our students have the
flexibility they want and need to continue to pursue their studies.” –Jerome A. Gilbert, President,
Marshall University
“Glenville State College appreciates Governor Jim Justice’s willingness
to listen to and work with the West Virginia college and university
presidents. The safety of students in West Virginia higher education
institutions is paramount both to the Governor and to Glenville State
College. Glenville State College is a small, rural college in the heart
of West Virginia and we pride ourselves on the safety of our campus. We
intend to continue working diligently to keep the campus community and
community at large safe in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have
developed an excellent plan that will allow us to bring students and
employees back on campus safely while we continue delivering a quality
education, and continue updating this plan as needed.” –Mark Manchin, President,
Glenville State College
"Our administrative team at Appalachian Bible College has carefully
responded to the guidelines from our Governor and the HEPC as we make
plans for our students to return to campus. Our considerations have
included local health and community concerns. We are confident in our ABC
campus community, and we believe we will achieve a quality of education
for our students without jeopardizing the safety and well-being of our
extended community." –Daniel
Anderson, President, Appalachian Bible College
“On behalf of New River Community and Technical College, I appreciate the
opportunity to share our fall plans with Governor Justice. His support of
these efforts was demonstrated by his continued willingness to meet with
us. Along with the Governor, New River CTC believes that safety for all
is the overarching goal as we plan the fall semester. New River CTC
adjusted operations to ensure that our faculty and staff have access to
the resources they need to safely serve our students because we want our
students to have a rich learning environment where their educational
goals can be achieved.” –Bonny
Copenhaver, President, New River Community and Technical College
“I have watched, with great interest, the Governor’s COVID-19 press
conferences, and I found them to be informative, educational, and very
helpful in our efforts to reopen our schools. As a Vietnam veteran, I
also appreciate the National Guard’s work to do really good things for
our state during the pandemic. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s
protocols for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic are rooted in safety
for our campus community. BRCTC’s plans are aligned and consistent with
local orders and ordinances of Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties,
as well as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, OSHA, and West
Virginia DHHR. As knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus
continues to evolve, BRCTC’s practices and plans are updated.” –Peter Checkovich, President,
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
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