FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 26, 2026
FAIRMONT, W.Va. 鈥� The 色盒直播 Board of Governors met on February 24 and focused much of its discussion on the rapid growth of 色盒直播鈥檚 workforce training efforts and the college鈥檚 expanding partnerships across north-central West Virginia. Board Chair Lisa Lang opened the meeting by thanking faculty, staff and administrators for their continued commitment to student success and community impact.
鈥淥ur region is relying on 色盒直播 to meet real workforce needs, and this institution continues to rise to the occasion,鈥� Lang said. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 healthcare, manufacturing, aviation or technology, our programs are giving West Virginians access to opportunity. I鈥檓 incredibly proud of the work I see happening every day.鈥�
The Board heard an update on 色盒直播鈥檚 accelerating workforce initiatives, including increases in employer partnerships, customized training and industry-recognized credentials. Career and Corporate Training has seen growth in NC3 certifications, expanded healthcare training cohorts and higher demand for short-term programs that place students into jobs quickly. Several businesses across the region are now partnering with 色盒直播 through models that allow students to work while completing specialized training.
Dr. Joni Gray, Director of Career and Corporate Training, Center for Workforce Education, said the momentum reflects both employer demand and the college鈥檚 responsiveness. 鈥淲e are seeing more students training, re-skilling and earning credentials that employers recognize and value,鈥� Dr. Gray said. 鈥淥ur business partners tell us they need talent now, and 色盒直播 is helping them meet that need. This growth shows the impact we鈥檙e making in real time for both students and the regional workforce.鈥�
Interim President Dr. Michael Waide noted that the pace of workforce expansion reflects 色盒直播鈥檚 mission as a community college built to respond quickly to employer needs. 鈥淥ur communities count on us to help people skill up and step into high-demand careers,鈥� Waide said. 鈥溕兄辈モ�檚 workforce and academic teams are building pathways that create meaningful opportunities for students and strengthen the economic future of north-central West Virginia. I鈥檓 grateful for the dedication of our employees and the trust of our partners.鈥�
Dr. Waide also shared that the college anticipates a groundbreaking of the new aviation facility in the summer following final design approvals. Lang emphasized how important this step is for the region, noting that aviation expansion has been a long-standing priority and represents a significant win for students and employers.
During the meeting, the Board approved final drafts and comments for multiple institutional policies. Updates were also provided on enrollment, retention efforts, student engagement, fundraising and accreditation preparation.
色盒直播鈥檚 Day of Giving was also discussed, which takes place on April 1, bringing together alumni, employees, donors and community partners in support of scholarships, student resiliency initiatives and key academic and workforce programs. The college encourages supporters across the region to join in on April 1 to celebrate 色盒直播鈥檚 mission and invest in opportunities that directly benefit students.
The Presidential Search Committee reported that three finalists will visit campus March 4-6 for interviews and public forums. Candidate materials have been released to the campus community.
During Board members鈥� reflections before the close of the meeting, members reflected on the strong momentum, positive growth and consistent dedication of 色盒直播’s employees.
The next meeting of the 色盒直播 Board of Governors will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, at 2 p.m., with an executive session for the Presidential Search.
色盒直播 provides accessible, responsive, and high鈥憅uality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, 色盒直播 offers academic programs and industry鈥慳ligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region鈥檚 economic and workforce needs.
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