The West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) campus community gathered for the annual State of Tech Address presented by CEO Carolyn Long on Friday afternoon. In Long’s State of Tech Address, she provided updates on the institution’s efforts to recruit, retain and rebuild, including an announcement that enrollment is up more than 10 percent.
In describing the University’s recruitment achievements, Long said the campus was experiencing “wonderful growing pains”. WVU Tech’s fall enrollment is 1,222 with students from 28 states and 23 nations. Residence halls are at 92 percent capacity and the dining hall is overflowing with students. In response to this growth, Long announced plans to add an additional “grab-and-go” eatery in the Engineering Building as well as the new dining options offered in the new Student Success Center.
“We are one of the few public institutions in West Virginia to see an enrollment increase this past year,” explained Long. “I am confident that with hard work and dedication we will continue to grow our enrollment.”
During her address, Long emphasized the University’s focus on retention. She highlighted the campus’ recent accomplishments in the new Student Success Center. This semester alone, the center has had over 2,300 students visits and offered more than 1,000 hours of tutoring. She challenged the campus to become a part of the commitment to student success and retention. “Our vision of a student-centered University can only be accomplished with each of us partnering together.”
Long stated that the University has been working on several key projects to rebuild campus including the completion of an outdoor basketball court, a new fire alarm system in the Baisi Athletic Center and the new Welcome Wall project funded by the Tech Golden Bear Alumni Association. She also highlighted several upcoming campus improvement projects including a new elevator in the engineering building and repaved parking lots.
In closing Long said, “WVU Tech is a great institution with even greater potential, and with a positive attitude toward the future this institution will continue to thrive and grow. I invite each of you to become a part of this dream.”