MOOREFIELD, W.Va. — Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College hosted its second District Consortium Meeting on Thursday, May 29, 2025, via Zoom. Monica Wilson, vice president of Academics and Student Services, welcomed attendees by reaffirming Eastern’s mission to meet the region’s academic and workforce needs through collaboration and innovation.
The meeting focused on strengthening regional partnerships and expanding access to education, with updates spanning dual enrollment, workforce training, grant funding, and upcoming events.
Dual Credit Program Sees Record Success
Tiffany Sentman, student program advisor, reported the continued success of Eastern’s Dual Credit program. This year, six high school students graduated with associate degrees, and one earned a certificate before finishing high school. To keep the program accessible, Eastern has reduced the cost of dual enrollment classes to just $25 per credit hour. Sentman also introduced a new STEM pathway designed to engage more students while maintaining popular tracks in allied health, business, and hospitality.
Expanding Workforce Training Through Grants
President Dr. Tom Striplin outlined major grant-funded initiatives to expand Eastern’s workforce programming. A $1.4 million grant is fueling the development of a Heavy Equipment Operators program, while a $1 million CDL grant will support both Class A and Class B licensure training. He also shared plans for a fully online Artificial Intelligence academic certificate, covering machine learning, Python, and data science.
Dr. Striplin emphasized the role of the state’s Learn and Earn program in incentivizing employer partnerships and supporting campus expansion. “We need more space to provide additional offerings on both the workforce and academic sides,” he said.
Workforce Education and Community Programming Updates
Lauren Arbaugh, director of Workforce and Continuing Education, shared updates on existing and future programs. New courses in healthcare, agriculture innovation, drone training, and medical billing are already underway, with upcoming offerings in defensive driving, construction, and heavy equipment. Arbaugh also announced the return of community education classes, including gardening, skin care, and AI literacy.
She introduced plans to roll out micro-credentials and digital badging by Fall 2026. These stackable, short-term credentials will allow students to demonstrate skills to employers quickly and effectively.
Transfer, Articulation, and Industry Collaboration
Eastern continues to strengthen its two-plus-two transfer pathways with a focus on reverse transfer policies, allowing students who move on to four-year institutions to still be recognized as completers at Eastern. The college also invites employers to participate in advisory committees and encourages outreach for education incentive partnerships.
Community Outreach and Upcoming Events
Monica Wilson, v.p. of Academics and Student Services spoke on two events occurring soon at Eastern:
- Health Resource Fair – June 13, 2025
- Open Houses – July 16 and August 8, 2025
Dixie Heavener, career counselor, announced several upcoming events for the Career Services department:
- Job Fair – October 17, 2025
- College Fair – April 8, 2026
Heavener also introduced a Job Opportunity Newsletter to better connect students and alumni with local employers.
As the meeting concluded, Dr. Striplin thanked participants and emphasized the value of these discussions in shaping Eastern’s strategic direction. Plans are already in place for an in-person consortium meeting in the fall 2025.
“These conversations are essential in keeping our offerings aligned with community needs,” said Wilson. “Whether you’re an educator, employer, or community member, we invite you to join us as we continue building opportunity in the Potomac Highlands.”
For more information or to join future consortium meetings, contact Monica Wilson at monica.wilson@easternwv.edu.
