Renovation work is being done on the former Ohio Valley University residence halls to be utilized as student housing at West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s new Innovation and Technology Center campus (the former OVU campus). The residence halls are expected to be open this August for student use. (Photo Provided)

VIENNA — West Virginia University at Parkersburg will be offering on-campus residence halls at the new Innovation and Technology Center (ITC) campus this fall.

The WVUP Foundation has been working on renovating the former Ohio Valley University residence halls adjacent to where the ITC will be located in the former OVU Stotts Administration Building which has been undergoing renovations for over a year.

The ITC is scheduled to begin some classes in the new location this fall.

Named The Residences at ITC, these single-unit facilities will open for occupancy in August. The first 55 units will be available – 28 for female students and 27 for male students – and will include amenities with the room such as a bed, desk, wardrobe, and sink, as well as on-site laundry and free Wi-Fi internet access.

These residence halls will be owned and operated by the WVUP Foundation. Officials said flooring was replaced, the buildings were repainted and all new furniture is being placed in the buildings.

“The decision to bring residence halls to WVU Parkersburg was a mission-driven choice by the Foundation’s Board of Directors,” said Olivia Reeder, President and CEO of the WVUP Foundation. “They recognized that housing is critical to expanding access, supporting student success, and growing the college’s reach.

“As WVU Parkersburg launches new programs through the Innovation and Technology Center and serves an evolving student population, the need for on-campus housing has become more urgent.”

The residence halls will directly advance WVUP’s mission by removing barriers for students who face housing insecurity or live beyond commuting distance, officials said. Housing will not only support academic and workforce programs but also help foster a stronger, more engaged campus community, they added.

“By owning the residence halls, the Foundation ensures that WVU Parkersburg can offer student housing while remaining compliant with state regulations,” Reeder said. “It’s a demonstration of our deep commitment to student access and long-term growth.”

The new residence halls will house students ages 18-22 and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure equitable access. This housing is made possible by the support of the Foundation and Pickering Land Group, the third-party property management operator. PLG is ensuring professional management and a student-centered residential experience.

The addition of student housing will reshape the trajectory of WVUP over the next decade, Reeder said.

“It positions us to grow strategically, attract a broader and more diverse student population, and enhance campus vibrancy,” she said. “This project is a foundational step in transforming WVU Parkersburg from a primarily commuter campus into a true destination campus — one known for opportunity, innovation, and community.”

The renovations to the residence halls will cost around $500,000, said WVUP President Torie Jackson, adding the Foundation is working with a third-party in funding the project.

The work being done at the ITC is part of a broader effort to transform WVUP, expand its educational mission for the region and the ITC will serve as a hub for high-demand career and technical programs, including Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Network Administration, Cloud Computing and Mechanical Engineering Technology.

“This facility will offer students advanced training and modern lab spaces to prepare them for in-demand careers in technology and engineering,” Jackson said. “In addition to academic offerings, the ITC will host industry partners co-located on-site to provide hands-on training, internships, and direct employment pipelines.

“The campus will also support community needs through childcare services, workforce credentialing, and access to regional transportation routes. Together, we can achieve more.”

The addition of residence halls will help enhance the student experience by putting students within easier reach of their classes, Jackson said.

“Residence halls close to a campus for students allows WVU Parkersburg to elevate beyond a commuter campus to a destination location for the collegiate experience,” she said.

WVUP students interested in these housing opportunities should contact the Foundation at 304-424-8340 for more information and for student verification.