As West Virginia University continues the process of rightsizing the institution, President E. Gordon Gee is right to be optimistic about the school’s future.
“I am confident that we will get through these next few challenging months because I believe in West Virginia University,” Gee said. “We will get to the other side where we create an educational dynamic of the future. One where students are receiving a high-quality education from faculty who are rewarded and recognized for their contributions.”
During WVU’s Transformation Academic Program Portfolio Review, 25 academic programs are being scrutinized.
“This is not easy stuff,” said Mark Gavin, associate provost at WVU. “At the same time … moving as quickly as we can while being responsible is the answer to this.”
Provided all involved remain both responsible and realistic, the “hard stuff” will certainly result in a university that does a better job genuinely preparing students for careers in the real world.
The challenge will be in convincing academia and King Bureaucracy they serve the students, rather than themselves.
Making that mental leap may, indeed, be a “source of angst” for some, but it is not only necessary, it is long overdue.
Once WVU has made it to the other side, if the transition has been conducted properly and thoroughly, the school will be what it was always meant to be.
Gee and company have some work to do. But once they are successful, the university and the state as a whole will be better for it.
