MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia University continues to see progress in student success efforts, with a record-setting projected fall-to-spring retention rate of 93.8% for first-time freshmen between Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.
“A high fall-to-spring retention rate is a good indicator that students are happy with their college experience, are getting the support they need and are more likely to stay enrolled for their sophomore year,” said Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider during the WVU Board of Governors meeting held Friday, April 4.
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Kreider also highlighted a 97% retention rate within the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, as well as an increase of more than one percentage point in the retention of first-generation students.
These gains follow a previously recorded high in fall-to-fall retention for Fall 2024.
“Much of the credit for these overall retention numbers is due to the good work of our dedicated academic advisers and our faculty who are committed to the success of our students, both in and beyond the classroom,” Kreider added.
Student success stories were also featured in the annual Student Government Association report. SGA President and BOG Student Representative Charlie Long emphasized student-led efforts to improve campus life.
“The Student Government Association has been able to make campus safer, more connected and more purpose-driven than ever before in the span of just one short year,” Long said.
The Board also received the annual Classified Staff report. “Working together still works,” said Staff Council Chair and BOG Classified Staff Representative Shirley Robinson.
Several new academic programs were approved at the meeting, including two AI-focused degrees through the John Chambers College of Business and Economics.
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics will train students in the use, development, and maintenance of AI and data tools, while the Master of AI Science in Marketing aims to equip graduate students with strategies for applying AI to marketing challenges.
“These forward-facing business programs address the rapidly increasing demand for AI-related talents within the workforce,” said Brad Price, chair and associate professor for the Department of Management Information Systems and Supply Chain.
“With the additions, WVU is in a position to lead the way in a field that will set trajectories for economies worldwide, while serving our critical land-grant mission and maintaining our place as West Virginia’s business school.”
The Board also approved relocating the WVU Police Department to the Chestnut Ridge Research Building, with a target move-in date of August 10.
The move is intended to provide officers with updated facilities and more space. Once the transition is complete, the current UPD building at 992 Elmer Prince Drive will be transferred to WVU Medicine.
Ahead of the regular meeting, updates were shared from WVU Potomac State College President Jerry Wallace and WVU Institute of Technology President T. Ramon Stuart during the Divisional Campus Committee meeting.
The next regular Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for June 13.
