Moorefield, W.Va. — Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College leaders Monica Wilson, Vice President of Academics and Student Services, and Lauren Arbaugh, Director of Workforce and Continuing Education, attended the Credential West Virginia Fall 2025 Summit, held October 8–10 at the Charleston Marriott. The event brought together higher education leaders, workforce professionals, and industry partners from across the state to collaborate on strengthening pathways between education and employment.
The summit focused on the continued development of micro-credentials—short-term, skill-based credentials designed to meet the needs of today’s evolving workforce. Attendees explored topics such as credential quality, transcription, workforce alignment, and the use of data to inform program development. The Summit reminded us how powerful collaboration can be,” said Wilson,. “Eastern is committed to helping students gain skills that lead to real career opportunities.”
Eastern’s own Lauren Arbaugh represented the college as a panelist during the session “Establishing and Maintaining Workforce Connections: Where Education Meets Opportunity and Credentials Power West Virginia’s Future.” Arbaugh shared Eastern’s approach to connecting local employers with learners through workforce training and credential programs that promote career advancement and regional economic growth.
“We’re committed to serving students through micro-credential opportunities—whether they choose to continue their education through one of our many four-year transfer agreements or enter the workforce fully prepared to begin their careers,” said Arbaugh.
The Credential West Virginia initiative, supported by partners including the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS), Strada Education Foundation, Lumina Foundation, Coursera, and Education Design Lab, is a statewide effort to align education and industry priorities through innovative credentialing strategies.
As West Virginia continues to expand opportunities for learning mobility and career advancement, Eastern is committed to growing its micro credential offerings and strengthening partnerships with local industries.
With momentum from the summit, Eastern looks forward to introducing micro-credential programs and expanded workforce initiatives that will enhance opportunities for both learners and industry partners in the region.
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