MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Board of Governors said Friday it’s pleased with the work of the most recent legislative session and thanked the governor and lawmakers for their commitment to higher education.
State funding for the WVU budget increased by $3.5 million from last year, according to Travis Mollohan, WVU director of government relations. The additional money will partially fund salary increases and the university’s Northern Brownfield Center.
Mollohan told BOG members at Friday’s meeting, the state Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) received about $20 million to expand nursing programs and WVU will pursue a share of that sum.
Lawmakers approved a major investment in the future of cancer care offered by WVU. Statistics show that in 2021, nearly 130,000 patients will receive about 105,000 infusion therapies at the current WVU Cancer Institute.
“There is $50 million coming to WVU for us to pursue a national cancer institute designation,” Mollohan said. “It’s a game changer for cancer care and cancer patient access across the state.”
Despite opposition from WVU and Marshall University, a version of a campus carry bill passed. The Campus Self-Defense Act makes it legal to carry a concealed weapon on college campuses with the proper permit. The legislation goes into effect on July 1, 2024, to give institutions time to prepare and develop secure storage options for firearms that are legally possessed on campus.
“That gives us time to educate staff, students, families, and new students on the changes coming,” Mollohan said.
During budget testimony, lawmakers heard officials from higher education and correctional institutions detail $560 million in deferred maintenance. Mollohan said the governor approved about half of that amount ($288 million) this year and could fund the other half next year.
“We’re working with the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and the governor’s office to seek a fair share of that appropriation, and we expect projects in Morgantown, Keyser, and Beckley to be approved down the road,” Mollohan said.
West Virginia Grant Resource Centers, a partnership between WVU, Marshall University, and the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, received a $500,000 grant to help match a $1.5 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Mollohan said they want to help communities win capitalize on available funds toward the end of grant cycles.
“To assist with administering and seeking federal and non-profit grants for our counties, communities, and municipalities,” Mollohan said. “I think that’s going to be a real good thing for our state.”
The state is working on plans to replace the antiquated lab building, and President Gordon Gee said he has been actively involved in the initial planning. Lawmakers set aside $125 million this year of the total $250 million cost and are expected to allocate the second $125 million next year.
“I have every hope and expectation that at least a significant consolidation of those labs will occur right here on campus,” Gee said. “That certainly is what has been indicated by the legislative leadership.”