FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 5, 2025

Fairmont, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College is accelerating its impact across north central West Virginia, unveiling innovative programs and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the region’s workforce and expanding educational access.

During a recent presentation at the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, Interim President Dr. Michael Waide highlighted the college’s renewed strategic direction, built on four pillars: People, Programs, Partners, and Performance. These pillars guide every initiative, from expanded career training to deeper community engagement.

“Even through transition, Pierpont has remained stable, focused, and forward-moving. We haven’t lost momentum — we’ve gained it,” said Dr. Waide.

Among the college’s most impactful initiatives in Harrison County:

• Nearly $2.5 million has been invested in the Clarksburg Campus facilities, reinforcing Pierpont’s commitment to being a college in and among the community.
• PRIDE Academy, a job skills program for individuals with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, is helping learners gain confidence and workplace readiness.
• The preschool laboratory at the Caperton Center is providing hands-on learning for early childhood education students while serving local families with high-quality preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Additionally, the college shared recent accomplishments:

• Career training enrollment has more than doubled, with new programs in phlebotomy, EKG, EMT-Basic, and cybersecurity.
• A $1.5 million federal grant is funding a virtual reality immersive learning lab to enhance hands-on training.
• Pierpont surpassed 1,000 degree-seeking students this fall, with first-time freshman enrollment exceeding goals.
• The Pierpont Foundation has surpassed the $1 million mark in contributions.

Pierpont is also launching high-demand workforce programs in surgical technology, licensed practical nursing, certified medical assisting, and industrial maintenance. These programs are designed in direct response to industry needs.

“At Pierpont, academics are more than credentials; they’re pathways to possibility,” said David Beighley, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We’re expanding those pathways through dual enrollment, new career training programs, and strong partnerships with schools — all designed to help students move forward with confidence and a clear path to success.”

The college is expanding its Learn & Earn initiative, offering employers a cost-effective way to train and hire students. It’s also rolling out the STAND degree, a state-funded associate degree for apprentices and journeymen, recognizing prior work experience and training.

“Learn & Earn is more than a program, it’s a shared investment in West Virginia’s workforce,” said Dr. Joni Gray, Director of Career and Corporate Training. “Pierpont is proud to lead the way, connecting students with paid, career-relevant work while helping employers build their future workforce at half the cost.”

Pierpont’s commitment to community is evident in its flood relief efforts, service days, and partnerships with K–12 schools, CTE centers, and four-year universities. Dual enrollment programs have served over 1,000 high school students, saving families nearly half a million dollars in college credits.

“Pierpont is not just a community college; we are a college in the community,” said Waide. “When we know our why and live our mission, momentum isn’t something we wait for; it’s something we create together.”

For more information about Pierpont’s programs and partnerships, visit pierpont.edu.

——

Media Contact:

Pierpont Community and Technical College

Office of Marketing and Communications

communications@pierpont.edu