MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University Board of Governors made a final decision Friday on the purchase of assets of the former Mountain State University campus in Beckley.
In recent interviews, WVU attorney Rob Alsop indicated the $8.5 million deal could be closed in April.
The Beckley campus is currently being used by the University of Charleston until June 30, 2015.
University leaders will spend the next month continuing to review details of the property and its title and can still decline the purchase before the middle of next month.
According to Alsop, they are on a positive roll with closing the deal.
“Is everything coming back with respect to structural, air conditioning, heating and environmental issues? There, it’s just making sure there’s nothing missing. I think it’s fair to say, given where we are, there’s no red flag,” explained Alsop.
After the BOG’s Friday meeting, administrators were also thinking ahead.
“This is a significant move,” President Gordon Gee said. “It’s a unique opportunity for the university to open up many more of our great academic programs to that part of the state.”
WVU had said it hopes to work with Concord University, Bluefield State College and other area higher education institutions, as well as civic and industry leaders, to develop pathways for collaboration for the Beckley campus.
“The programs that we’re going to offer, we’re continuing to look at that path. We all know it’s a really good opportunity. I think we all believe that. It’s just a matter of continuing to kick the tires so-to-speak,” Alsop said.
Proceeds of any sale would help pay a settlement pursued by former Mountain State University students after the school lost accreditation.
The purchase has been seriously considered since November when WVU entered a due diligence agreement to consider the purchase.
Just more than a month ago, January 16, according to WVU, Mountain State trustees, as well as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the school, accepted the offer, which was then approved by a three-judge.
WVU is aiming to offer classes in Beckley sometime in 2016.