Moorefield, W.Va. — Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College hosted its District Consortium on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the main campus, welcoming community leaders from businesses, health centers, high schools, local government, and more. The event began with introductions and a welcome from Dr. Tom Striplin, Eastern’s president, and Monica Wilson, vice president of academics and student services. Wilson highlighted Eastern’s offerings, including Better Futures, a collaboration with Pilgrim’s Pride that provides reduced-rate education for Pilgrim’s employees and their dependents. She noted Eastern’s 14-degree programs, 12 certificates, and over 30 transfer opportunities, encouraging attendees to join advisory committees to strengthen programs.
The discussion focused on economic development, with Lauren Arbaugh, director of Workforce & Continuing Education, and Dave Miller, Agriculture Innovation program coordinator, emphasizing flexible pathways into technical and agricultural programs. “If we don’t have it, and you need it, we can build it,” Miller said. Rob Burns, Eastern’s director of non-profits and grant management, outlined ongoing grant initiatives, including a major grant for the Heavy Equipment Operator program, which will provide funding for equipment and training. Eastern also plans to offer CDL Class B licensure in 2025.
Dr. Striplin underscored plans to expand the state’s Learn and Earn program, already available across multiple fields, and addressed the need for campus growth. “We need more space to provide additional program offerings on both workforce and academic sides,” he said. Upcoming developments include a commercial kitchen and a pavilion for on-site events.
Dixie Heavener, Eastern’s career counselor, shared details about Career Services, which supports students and community members with job searches, resume building, and interview preparation. She organizes two annual events: a job fair and a career carnival. Morgan Armentrout also introduced the Hospitality & Tourism Management certificate program, offering free enrollment to select students through grant funding.
The event concluded with an open forum for ideas, questions, and feedback. This marks Eastern’s first District Consortium, with plans for a second session in Spring 2025. “The District Consortium represents an exciting opportunity to unite diverse community stakeholders to address the educational and workforce needs of our region.” said Wilson, “Moving forward, we aim to strengthen this collaboration by identifying resources, sharing insights, and increasing access to academic programs and short-term training. Together, we can ensure Eastern continues to be a vital resource for both students and the broader community. I encourage anyone interested in joining these efforts to reach out to me at monica.wilson@easternwv.edu.”
About Eastern
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, located in Moorefield, serves six rural counties in the Potomac Highlands. The college offers 14 degree programs (including six fully online), 12 certificates, and over 30 transfer pathways to four-year schools. Its Workforce Education department provides 15+ training programs in various formats and specialized Agriculture Innovation training, including mentorship opportunities for Farm Fellows. Eastern supports students and the community through its Career Center, offering job placement, resume help, and interview preparation. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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