WVU could purchase MSU campus in Beckley

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. —West Virginia University announced Thursday it has reached an “exclusive due diligence agreement” to explore the purchase of the Mountain State University campus in Beckley. 

Part of the settlement calls for the liquidation of former MSU campus buildings and equipment in Beckley and Martinsbug.”This truly is a unique opportunity – and one we feel an obligation to explore – especially as it has the potential to increase West Virginia University’s ability to serve our state,” WVU President Gordon Gee said in a university news release.The MSU campus, currently occupied by the University of Charleston’s Beckley program, is to be sold by MSU under a proposed court settlement. The proposal, reached this past summer, would settle 400 individual suits that were filed along with at least two class action suits when MSU lost its accreditation a few years ago.

“This truly is a unique opportunity – and one we feel an obligation to explore – especially as it has the potential to increase West Virginia University’s ability to serve our state,” WVU President Gordon Gee said in a university news release.

The MSU campus, currently occupied by the University of Charleston’s Beckley program, is to be sold by MSU under a proposed court settlement. The proposal, reached this past summer, would settle 400 individual suits that were filed along with at least two class action suits when MSU lost its accreditation a few years ago.

Plaintiff’s attorney Anthony Majestro said the deal would be a win-win.

“We think it is great news,” Majestro said. ” For both the students we represent and Beckley as a whole.

WVU Provost Joyce McConnell said the due diligence agreement puts WVU in a fact-finding posture.

“Essentially, this agreement allows West Virginia University to explore the facilities, location, academic programs, student services, experiential learning opportunities and other areas at MSU in order to determine if they meet our academic and fiscal expectations,” McConnell said. “We also will be reviewing the economic impact to the area and the opportunities for entrepreneurial engagement.”

Majestro said WVU has a month to decide if they want to buy the campus.

“Under the agreement that was signed,” Majestro said. “WVU has an exclusive 30-day period to decide if they want to make an offer.”

Mountain State University board representative Elmer Coppoolse said the agreement is in concert with “MSU’s longstanding desire to retain a vital higher educational learning opportunity in southern West Virginia and to reestablish a continued economic driver for the city of Beckley and surrounding region.”

The University of Charleston had previously announced it would be looking for new property in the Beckley and Martinsburg areas. UC President Ed Welch said UC didn’t have the resources to purchase the MSU buildings.

A three-judge panel gave preliminary approval to the settlement between MSU and its former students in October. A final hearing is scheduled for Jan. 16 in Charleston. The settlement could set up an $8.5 million compensation fund for former students. The money would come from an insurance policy and the selling of the properties.

 

 

 





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