West Virginia University Provost Joyce McConnell addresses the Beckley Rotary following a luncheon at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center on Tuesday.
BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginia University officials continue contemplating the possibilities for the Beckley campus, but WVU Provost Joyce McConnell gave Beckley Rotarians a sneak peek Tuesday of some of the most talked-about options.
“As WVU considers going down this road, moving into Beckley, we are committed to working with the other area institutions to join together to make the best opportunities possible,” McConnell said. “We’re trying to think through what will work for southern West Virginia.”
Mountain State University’s former culinary program may be brought back to life under the blue and gold banner, to combine with agriculture and hospitality courses.
These interdisciplinary programs could lead to entrepreneurship, growth and development, which McConnell said could make a huge difference in the local economy.
Other highly talked about additions to the campus include master’s programs that aren’t offered elsewhere, such as a master’s degree in nursing.
McConnell said such a degree could make for great partnership opportunities with Concord University and Bluefield State College.
“There is a huge need for nurses with specialized training…
