WVU Medicine image.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virignia University Board of Governors received an update on student success and a new accelerated BS/BA to BSN nursing program that will soon open in Bridgeport.
Maryanne Reed, provost and vice president of academic affairs said United Hospital Center paid for the new facility and will lease it to WVU for $1-per year. The building will include labs, classrooms, a conference room, student lounge and administrative offices.
“The School of Nursing is opening a new campus in Bridgeport,” Reed said. ” The new nursing school will occupy approximately 5,000-square feet of space in a new addition at the WVU Medicine, United Hospital Center.”
The first class will begin the accelerated program in the Spring of 2023. A total of 24 students will be admitted each year.
“This is exciting because we know the nursing shortage is very real in West Virginia and this is another way the university is addressing that problem.”
“The shared mission of United Hospital Center and WVU School of Nursing presents a unique opportunity for collaboration, enabling us to groom future generations of nurses who can meet the evolving healthcare needs of our region,” Michael C. Tillman, president and CEO of UHC, said. “Skilled and compassionate nurses are critical to our mission, especially nurses who have the academic and clinical training that allows them to successfully adapt in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.”
The new center is in addition to nursing programs on campuses in Beckley, Charleston, Keyser and Morgantown.
Officials cited changing demographics and challenging finances are key reasons the focus on student success has become sharper.
Assistant Provost Evan Widders said the university is ahead of schedule in areas like graduation rates and retention.
Currently the four-year graduation rate at WVU is 43 percent compared to national average at peer institutions of 35 percent. Widders said their efforts have resulted in meeting some goals ahead of schedule.
“In 2019 the university set an aspirational goal of 62.5 percent six-year graduation rate by 2025,” Widders said. ” We surpassed that goal this semester.”