Investing in West Virginia University Institute of Technology

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1 Investing in West Virginia University Institute of Technology

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3 West Virginia University Institute of Technology: A State of Minds Infinite possibilities: WVU Institute of Technology s new tagline is apt. Tech, as it s affectionately known by generations of alumni, fills a particular niche in West Virginia s higher education landscape. WVU Tech distinguishes itself by its focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degree programs, along with business, the humanities, and social sciences. Its small classes and personal attention provide a place where students can flourish. WVU Tech prepares graduates for meaningful careers and provides a highly skilled workforce for the most in-demand jobs in the state and nation. With so much development under way in West Virginia around the Marcellus shale, WVU Tech s mission is particularly timely. Today, WVU Tech is poised for great change. A new leadership team, campus master plan, and strategic plan in concert with the Tech Revitalization Project (TRP) hold promise for a brighter future. But WVU Tech can t do it alone. To transform this promise into reality, we need to bring together many minds: the intellect and ideas of students and faculty and the passion and support of alumni and friends, like you. The stakes are high. 1

4 The Trajectory of Success Founded in 1895 as Montgomery Preparatory School, WVU Tech s history is rich with accomplishments, changes, and challenges. In April 2011, the West Virginia Legislature passed Senate Bill 486/House Bill 3068, the West Virginia University Institute of more students in order to deliver a better experience and reclaim our distinctive position in West Virginia higher education. And we Tech has served as a high school, trade school, Technology Revitalization Project (TRP), need to increase support for our outstanding 2 junior college, college, university, and a regional which mandates that state appropriations be students and faculty. campus of West Virginia University (WVU). used to address select needs at WVU Tech over To do this, we need partners, like you, who Since 2007, Tech has been a fully integrated the next four years. This law closely parallels believe in WVU Tech and want to invest in division of WVU. WVU Tech s strategic plan, Vision 2015, and its future. Over the years, WVU Tech has earned a will position us to meet the state s workforce reputation for the quality of its academic programs, needs especially in STEM fields. particularly engineering. WVU Tech has state- Considering the ways a revitalized WVU of-the-art facilities and labs along with a tradition Tech will support West Virginia s ability to of excellence in scientific and applied fields. compete industrially and economically, TRP Recently, forward-thinking interdisciplinary is a prudent investment. But it s not a cure-all. programs, such as math and science secondary For our academic programs to remain viable, education, create enormous opportunity for WVU we need to increase enrollment. We need to Tech to achieve renewed prominence. expand and enhance facilities to accommodate

5 WVU Tech has state-of-the-art facilities and labs along with a tradition of excellence in scientific and applied fields. Forward-thinking interdisciplinary programs, such as math and science secondary education, create enormous opportunity.

6 Priorities for Tomorrow 4 A State of Minds is a comprehensive fundraising effort that aims to unite those who care about WVU Tech, are optimistic about its future, and believe that, together, we can realize infinite possibilities. To accomplish this, we ask you to consider a gift to one of the following initiatives. Students Students are the number one priority at WVU Tech. Everything we do is about helping students achieve. Through A State of Minds, we look to invest in students in two critical ways: by providing increased scholarship funding and by advancing programs that help students succeed. Scholarships: WVU Tech is known for serving first-generation college students. Those students, the majority of whom are West Virginians, come from rural areas with high financial need. As part of a land-grant institution, we must commit to keeping a college education within their reach. Right now, more than half of WVU Tech s full-time students receive financial aid. We seek partners, like you, to invest in scholarships to keep their dreams of a college degree within reach. Programs: To attract and retain promising students, we need to enhance the student experience at WVU Tech. We are looking for partners to help increase the academic, cultural, and athletic activities that make a vibrant campus. Your campaign gift can support efforts like the Student Success Center, a one-stop location bringing together tutoring, writing programs, and academic advising; enhance the popular intramural sports program; or bring a Charleston Symphony concert to campus. By strengthening campus life, you will bring WVU Tech closer to achieving its enrollment goals.

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8 6 Faculty WVU Tech is an institution where faculty, not graduate students, teach. We pride ourselves on small classes and one-on-one attention. Committed faculty members are essential in this equation. We need to do all we can to draw talented teacherscholars to WVU Tech those interested in students and the classroom experience and keep them here. To accomplish that, we seek support for faculty professional development. Your gift to this priority will allow faculty to attend conferences, conduct hands-on research with students, develop new courses, or bring outside lecturers to campus to enlighten faculty and students. All of these activities translate directly back into the classroom to enrich student learning. Facilities Updating and upgrading WVU Tech s facilities are vital to the success of the other initiatives, including recruitment and retention, enhanced student life, and academics. The Tech Revitalization Project is a good start, but we need to do more. We need partners, like you, to invest in WVU Tech to improve facilities, upgrade technology, and position Tech well for the future. Like outstanding faculty and robust student activities, your support for up-to-date and attractive classroom buildings, laboratories, and residence halls will help WVU Tech meet its ambitious enrollment goals and strengthen its position for the next generation.

9 WVU Tech s programmatic strengths mesh with West Virginia s and the nation s workforce needs. Our graduates are sought after and well placed in business, education, and corporations. Carolyn Long, Campus Executive Officer

10 A State of Minds: Creating Leaders for Tomorrow 8 As the newly appointed campus CEO, I truly believe in the mission of this institution. WVU Tech is committed to students who are looking for a state school with a small-college experience. Without WVU Tech, many of these students would choose to not go to college or wouldn t graduate. I ve been an educator my whole life. I love this state and its youth. I want to ensure WVU Tech remains vibrant that our particular group of students, with very in-demand skills graduate from college and become productive citizens. I m proud to report that WVU Tech enters the second decade of the 21st century with strong assets. We have a deserved reputation of academic quality. WVU Tech has committed, competent faculty and staff who care about this institution and work well together. Our students are bright, eager, and earnest. Our graduates are sought after and well placed in business, education, and corporations. Most importantly, WVU Tech s programmatic strengths mesh with West Virginia s and the nation s workforce needs. Now we need to build on these strengths. That s where A State of Minds comes in. This campaign is about helping WVU Tech expand its commitment to STEM education. It s about spurring on WVU Tech to reach its full potential as a positive force for economic development and cultural enrichment within the community and state. And it s an opportunity for you to show your support by investing in students, faculty, and facilities. I ask you to join me now in making a gift to this fundraising campaign. Your gift, no matter its size, will advance WVU Tech s goals what I call the other three Rs : recruiting, retaining, and rebuilding. Whenever you graduated, we need you to come back and be part of WVU Tech today. We need you. Our students and faculty need you. And most of all, WVU Tech needs you. Carolyn Long Campus Executive Officer WVU Institute of Technology

11 WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY WVU Institute of Technology is a leading STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) institution in West Virginia. WVU Tech has a more than 100-year history serving the state. Since 2007, West Virginia University Institute of Technology has been a fully integrated division of WVU. A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia s University is about investing in the values, ambition, intellect, and mindset that define one of the most exciting universities in the country. With support from alumni, friends, foundations, and partners, West Virginia University will be in a position to lead the national and global dialogue on energy, health, the environment, the economy and so much more. West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.

12 West Virginia University Institute of Technology 405 Fayette Pike Montgomery, WV One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor P.O. Box 1650 Morgantown, WV or