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PARKERSBURG — The tuition rate at West Virginia University at Parkersburg will not go up for the next school year, the university’s Board of Governors decided this week.

On Tuesday, the WVUP Board of Governors unanimously approved the tuition rates for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, freezing the current rates with no increase.

“The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors recognizes the significant financial impact of higher education on our students,” said the resolution the board passed. “Therefore, we believe it is in the best interest of our students to hold tuition rates for the 2025-2026 academic year level with those approved in the prior academic year.”

Brad Wilson, Chief Financial Officer, said WVUP continues to have one of the lowest tuition rates in the region, positioning the institution as one of the most affordable options in the state.

“We’re not requesting any changes in tuition rates, and for good reason. This year, we are tied for the third-lowest tuition rate in the system,” Wilson said. “When you look at baccalaureate rates, we’re among the most affordable in the state. WVU’s tuition rate per credit hour is $451, Glenville’s is $354, Marshall’s is $382, we’re $260 — significantly lower than several other schools for a bachelor’s degree.”

WVUP President Torie Jackson commended former Board Chair Joe Oliverio on his moving to a new position with the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical Colleges as a board member for the state system that oversees all nine community colleges, including WVUP. He had to step down from the Board of Governors to be able to take this position.

Oliverio has served with the Board of Governors for 8 ½ years and served as Secretary, Vice Chairman, and eventually Chairman.

“Together, we took a path through a few administrative changes, COVID, and legislative agendas and funding concerns,” he said in a statement he shared with the campus community. “We also saw and continue to see much success and growth in our student enrollment, facility expansion and upgrades, as well as faculty and staff compensation increases.

“The College is on solid footing and that is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of each one of you.”

Oliverio said he will miss being on the WVUP Board of Governors, but is looking forward to his new role which will allow him to continue to “be an advocate and strong supporter for WVUP in a different capacity” as well as the other eight Community and Technical Colleges in the state.

“I look forward to being a presence for you and please know that each of you make me ‘West Virginia University Parkersburg Proud,'” he said.

In the interim, Vice Chair Blaine Hess will temporarily fill the position of Board Chair until a permanent successor is appointed.

The board also discussed the evaluation for Jackson in an executive session and issued a statement following that session as well as approving the renewal of her contract.

“Based on a careful review of responses from a variety of stakeholders, as well as input from the Board of Governors, it is evident that Dr. Jackson’s performance in all five domains of her evaluation, as well as her progress on her established annual goals, demonstrates excellent performance in her role as President of West Virginia University at Parkersburg,” the statement said. “The Board of Governors values the outstanding work Dr. Jackson has performed on behalf of WVUP and the positive impact that work has had on our students, the faculty and staff, and WVUP’s entire service region. The Board of Governors is excited to continue the progress underway at WVUP under Dr. Jackson’s leadership.

“The board remains confident in Jackson’s leadership and looks forward to the continued growth and success of WVU Parkersburg under her guidance.”

The board unanimously approved Jackson’s contract renewal and authorized Hess to negotiate the contract.

“We are a community college,” Jackson said in her President’s Report. “We are here to make sure that our community – our neighbors, our friends, our businesses – have their needs met. That’s our hometown that surrounds us.

“WVU Parkersburg allows many young individuals the opportunity to make their hometown their home – to build a legacy for their family and a bright future.”