GLENVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In a significant step towards bolstering the state’s international education recruitment efforts, Glenville State University recently played host to the second in-person meeting aimed at revitalizing the StudyWV consortium.
StudyWV was originally established by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission in 2006 and is part of a larger network of over 30 study-state consortia across the United States dedicated to promoting their respective states as desirable destinations for international students.
The initiative to reestablish StudyWV was set in motion in January 2023, leading to the formation of a transitional leadership committee during the first meeting. Over the past several months, this committee has been diligently working on shaping by-laws for the consortium and researching best practices in the field of international education.
The consortium currently comprises 11 members from various public higher education institutions throughout the state, with most members occupying roles related to international education on their campuses.
The primary objective of StudyWV remains consistent: to develop a comprehensive plan outlining strategies for promoting West Virginia as an attractive international study destination. This includes identifying effective recruitment activities, discussing budgeting plans, and carefully monitoring the return on investment of these initiatives.
Associate Director of International Student Services, Bridget Carr, expressed her enthusiasm for being a part of StudyWV, saying, “Being a part of the StudyWV consortia will allow Glenville State University the opportunity to collaborate with other institutions across the state to showcase West Virginia and all we have to offer an international student who might be looking to study here.”
Carr was particularly delighted that Glenville was selected to host the first in-person meeting of the revived group, during which representatives from eight different institutions gathered to discuss the consortium’s goals.
President Mark Manchin addressed the attendees, emphasizing his commitment to the international program at GSU and pledging his ongoing support for the consortium’s efforts.
Dr. Clark Egnor, the Director of International Programs at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, extended his gratitude to Glenville State University for hosting the successful meeting on its beautiful campus. He also commended Bridget Carr for her efforts in organizing the event and ensuring its smooth execution.
StudyWV maintains close partnerships with key entities such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, the West Virginia Development Office, and the West Virginia District Export Council, further enhancing its potential to attract international students to the state.
As the reinvigorated StudyWV consortium continues its work, the collaborative efforts of its member institutions, backed by support from various organizations and government bodies, hold the promise of fostering a diverse and thriving international student community within West Virginia’s higher education landscape.
With a robust plan and the dedication of its members, StudyWV aims to make West Virginia an increasingly attractive destination for students from around the globe.