Long: WVU Tech will reach new heights
That's the message Campus President Carolyn Long shared with students, faculty, alumni and community members during the annual State of Tech address on Friday afternoon.
Long told the group that she was pleased with the progress the WVU Tech community is making in the areas of expanded academic programs, partnerships with agencies and organizations in Beckley, increased support programs for students and service to the community.
But she said there's more to be done as the university plans its future and as Generation Z students shape the face of college expectations in the years to come. "The higher ed landscape is changing faster than higher ed moves," she said. "We must be nimble. We need to continue to be laser-focused."
She shared that students have contributed more than 6,000 hours of community service since the university opened its doors in Beckley, contributing an estimated $128,000 in economic value.
"This is who we are," she said. "We care about our students. We care about one another. We care about our community."
She told the crowd that WVU Tech has launched a popular parents club and that the school is fielding a new competitive esports team for students that will attract this new generation of young people.
She also shared that enrollment numbers are on the rise and are expected to increase again, though final figures won't be available until October.
Long wrapped up the address by sharing her vision of the future. The theme of that outlook, she said, is "Recruit. Retain. Reenvision."
"We must understand that change is tough," she said. "We are a campus that comes together and makes things work. We will make sure employees and students have the resources they need to succeed."
"We'll reach new heights. We've done it before, and we'll do it again."