Balance within Tech’s Campus Community Providing a Strong Foundation
and Great Expectations for the Year

 Dr. Karen LaRoe, President of West Virginia University Institute of Technology, delivered an uplifting speech to all the returning faculty and staff on Friday, August 16, 2002. The speech highlighted Tech’s accomplishments that will benefit the faculty and staff as well as the new and returning students. Some of those accomplishments include:  $300,000 in new laboratory equipment for the Leonard C. Nelson College of Engineering; $250,000 through grant funding for laboratory equipment for the Community and Technical College; $50,000 for the College of Business, Humanities, and Sciences for equipment upgrades; and according to current statistics, an enrollment increase of 3%. These wonderful accomplishments were the combined results of Tech’s high-quality academics, excellent campus climate, new innovations in technology, and the exceptional work of the faculty’s teaching and research. This “balance” provides Tech with a strong foundation for future goals and undertakings.

Tech’s commitment toward outstanding academic programs is shown through innovation and continued achievements in curricula. Tech’s Community and Technical College of received the prestigious designation of “Programs of Excellence” for both the Electrical Engineering Technology program and the Electronics Engineering Technology program. For three consecutive years, the U.S. News and World Report has ranked the engineering program among the top 50 percent in the nation, and has identified Tech’s liberal arts program among the best in the southeastern United States. In addition to Tech’s numerous course offerings, career choices continue to grow with the introduction of new curricula such as E-Squared (Engineering & Entrepreneurship) program, Graphic Design, AAS in Technical Studies, Certificate programs in General Studies, and ASE Certification in Automotive Service Technology.

President LaRoe emphasized WVU Tech’s quality effort toward economic development throughout the state. In conjunction with the Upper Kanawha Valley Economic Development Corporation and leaders in the upper valley, Tech coordinated the securing of grant funding for the $4 million dollar construction of the first building in the Upper Kanawha Valley Technology Center that will house three applied technology businesses. The creation of new, full-time, benefits-eligible jobs is expected to peak at 300 in the first building after three years. Tech is also providing the leadership for the development of the second building that has the potential for 200 additional jobs. The combined area economic impact of the Technology Communities phases will generate an initial overall annual amount of $18.7 million, grossing approximately $90,000 for the area within its first year in existence.

Balance has been achieved within the campus climate through a combination of improvements.  Tech has received both grant funding and private donations for improvements to the Neal D. Baisi Athletic Center that includes enhancements to our Olympic-size indoor pool, whirlpools, the addition of the indoor rock-climbing wall, and basic improvements to the facility. The athletics department has provided more opportunities and support for our student athletes by adding a new coach in women’s soccer, and offering more intramural sports such as water basketball.  Tech’s Extreme Sports program which features many of today’s exhilarating club sport events. Students can challenge their skills on the newly constructed indoor rock-climbing wall, perfect their skateboarding skills at our skate park, conquer Tech Mountain’s biking trails, or participate in a variety of intense water sports such as whitewater rafting, skiing, or kayaking.

 As a part of Tech’s campus community spirit, we have been able to create a warm, family atmosphere that provides a feeling of belonging necessary for student’s emotional needs.  Through programs hosted by Residence Life, student organizations, Student Activities, and classroom environments, students are encouraged to participate in an open and active dialog.

With features such as free Campus Pipeline Internet, students and faculty can participate in active question and answer sessions dealing with class assignments and course work for better academic success. This year, Tech’s Orientation program for incoming freshmen featured a variety of new workshops and activities such as whitewater rafting, one of the exhilarating Extreme Sports events.

 The Research and Development Corporation has been involved in two prestigious research projects. The first involved an extremely important study of the collapse of the World Trade Centers and the destruction of the Pentagon due to the events of September 11, 2001. The second research project, which will be starting this fall, established a partnership for undergraduate research involving the EDA University Center, the Chemistry Department, and Dow Chemical Company. This project will enable both faculty members and students to participate in hands-on research projects identified by Dow and other chemical manufacturing related businesses.

 Through the balance of technology with academics, Tech has streamlined various course offerings through web-based eLearning that provides additional opportunities for individuals to receive a top-notch education from the comfort of their own home. With today’s innovations in technology, the Tech has implemented state-of-the-art facilities into everyday university life with classrooms with video conferencing capabilities, internet-accessible buildings, and multiple computer labs.

 Tech is continuing its tradition of academic excellence through the balance of innovative and expanded curricula, the excellent teaching skills and dedication of faculty and staff members, new advances in technology, and the fantastic students. The dedication of Tech’s community spirit provides the determination, drive, and leadership to make the prospects of the future the reality of tomorrow.
 

Tech President, Dr. Karen LaRoe addressed returning faculty members on Tech’s accomplishments, future goals for academic excellence, and the continued support for the campus community spirit.