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West Virginia University to Establish New Innovation Center

Artist's rendering of the future Innovation and Technology Center at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

News Summary

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is set to transform the former Ohio Valley University site into a new Innovation and Technology Center through a $1.6 million renovation. This center will enhance educational opportunities in the region, featuring classrooms, offices, and specialized programs in technology and healthcare. Plans for future development include additional educational facilities and community resources to stimulate local growth, aiming for completion of the first phase by Fall 2025.

West Virginia Announces New Innovation and Technology Center

West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP) is set to transform the former Ohio Valley University Stott Administration Building into an Innovation and Technology Center (ITC) through a $1.6 million renovation project. This initiative aims to create new educational facilities and opportunities for the community, with plans for the first phase to open in Fall 2025.

The project comes after the WVUP Foundation purchased the 225.22-acre property for $4.6 million, funded by a generous $10 million gift from The Ross Foundation. With the renovation well underway, WVUP President Torie Jackson highlighted the vision of growth and expanding educational avenues in the region.

Renovation Details and Upgrades

Initial renovations have begun, focusing on critical aspects like restoring heating systems, replacing seven roofs, and removing asbestos from the building. Key upgrades include extensive electrical work, budgeted at $800,000, along with plumbing replacements aimed at facilitating the creation of classrooms and office spaces within the ITC.

The ITC is planned to feature various spaces integral to educational activities, including classrooms, conference rooms, and administrative offices. In the first phase, programs related to Workforce and Economic Development (WED), along with the Computer Information Sciences Division, will be relocated to this new facility.

Educational Programs and Facilities

The ITC will offer courses leading to degrees in Computer Science/Computer Information Technology and a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cyber Security and Network Administration. Within the center, there will be four dedicated classrooms for computer programs and three classes allocated for short-term training, including Community Health Worker, Medical Assistant, and various vocational training courses in healthcare and manufacturing.

As part of the first phase, the center will also include six offices specifically for WED staff, five faculty offices, and a dedicated area for administrative functions. Similarly, a state-of-the-art podcast studio will be introduced, allowing media and marketing students opportunities to connect with local businesses.

Future Development Plans

Looking ahead, a second phase of development includes the establishment of a daycare center in the former OVU Library, with a capacity of 120 children. Additionally, plans are in place to preserve the OVU chapel for potential rental opportunities and upgrade the old cafeteria into a restaurant.

Construction will also involve a manufacturing facility equipped with modern 3-D and metal printers located in the old OVU gym, fostering a hands-on learning environment for engineering courses. An Innovation Lab will also be created, providing practical equipment and resources for students.

Complementing the renovation efforts, WVUP is working to expand parking facilities and create new entryways, as well as recreational areas that include basketball and pickleball courts. A new road will be constructed to improve access to the campus from nearby residential and retail developments, with the aim of stimulating local growth.

Collaborative Efforts with Local Entities

Furthermore, the WVUP Foundation is offering land to Wood County for the potential construction of a new elementary school, further integrating the university’s educational mission with community development. President Jackson remarked on the transformational potential of this project for the Vienna community, emphasizing its role in is promoting housing development, academic prospects, and business cultivation.

The development of the Innovation and Technology Center at WVUP signifies a significant commitment to enhancing educational resources and community engagement in the West Virginia region, with the ultimate goal of fostering a stronger economic and educational framework for the future.