Story by Savannah Jones
MORGANTOWN W.Va. — West Virginia University saw its highest-recorded freshman retention rate this year with 93.8% of freshmen returning for the spring 2025 semester, according to Interim Provost Paul Kreider.
Kreider told the WVU Board of Governors Friday the retention rate gives administrators great hope that many current freshmen will continue their journeys as Mountaineers in their sophomore year.
Additionally, 97% of freshmen in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources were retained from fall to spring.
“Much of the credit for these overall retention numbers is due to the good work of our dedicated academic advisers and our faculty who are committed to the success of our students both in and beyond the classroom,” Kreider said in a WVU news release.
The Board also approved two artificial intelligence-related programs at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at Friday’s meeting. The college will now offer a Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics and a Master of AI Science in Marketing.
The undergraduate program will analyze how artificial intelligence tools play a role in organizations and the master’s program will address obstacles in the marketplace with AI.
Brad Price, chair and associate professor in the Department of Management Information Systems and Supply Chain, said the programs result from the increased use of AI in the marketplace.
“With the additions, WVU is in a position to lead the way in a field that will set trajectories for economies worldwide, while serving our critical land-grant mission and maintaining our place as West Virginia’s business school,” Price said.
The BOG also learned WVU’s Police Department will move from its current location at 992 Elmer Prince Drive to the Chestnut Ridge Research Building, which currently houses WVU’s Office of Research.
WVU Medicine will acquire UPD’s current building.
The Board of Governors will meet again on June 13.