FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 4, 2026

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Dr. Michael Waide, President of Pierpont Community & Technical College, shared the college’s growing impact on workforce development, student success and regional economic growth during the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Business@Breakfast on Sept. 4. Information presented during the event underscored Pierpont’s role in preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening communities across North Central West Virginia.

Addressing local business and industry leaders, Dr. Waide highlighted the college’s recent momentum, including enrollment growth, expanded academic offerings, strengthened accreditation and investments in workforce-focused programs. He emphasized that Pierpont’s focus extends beyond institutional growth to ensuring students complete credentials that lead directly to career opportunities.

“Pierpont has achieved momentum,” Dr. Waide said. “The question before us is no longer whether we can move the institution forward. We have demonstrated that we can. Now our responsibility is to sustain that momentum, focus it and translate it into something that matters most: moving every student forward.”

The presentation featured data illustrating the college’s contribution to West Virginia’s workforce. Over the past six years, 3,414 students have completed a with 906 credentials awarded during the college’s largest graduating class on record. Additionally, 86.5% of graduates remain employed in West Virginia, generating an estimated $50.4 million in annual wages.

Waide noted that workforce outcomes remain central to the college’s mission.

“When students persist, complete a credential and move into family-sustaining careers, their success becomes economic impact,” he said. “When our programs respond to workforce demand, we strengthen employers, attract investment and contribute to the economic development of our region and West Virginia.”

The college’s impact is especially visible in Harrison County, where Pierpont serves an average of 452 students annually. Since 2020, nearly 1,000 dual-enrollment students from the county have earned college credit while still in high school, and hundreds of local students have completed degrees and workforce credentials. State-supported programs such as WV Invests have provided nearly $2 million in tuition assistance to Harrison County students during the same period.

Dr. Waide also highlighted the college’s alignment with regional workforce needs. Pierpont currently offers programs connected to many of the region’s most in-demand occupations, including nursing, information technology, aviation maintenance, culinary arts, business, industrial technology and health care fields.

Among the college’s most significant initiatives is the planned Aviation Maintenance Technology Educational Facility near the new North Central West Virginia Airport. The $25 million project will more than double the instructional and hanger space, allowing the program to increase capacity and meet growing industry demand. Pierpont graduates from the aviation program currently see strong employment outcomes, with 90% remaining in West Virginia after graduation.

“Our role is integral to providing the workforce West Virginia needs,” Dr. Waide said. “We know that workforce comes from our communities. When we help every student move forward, our communities move forward, too.”

Dr. Waide thanked the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce for providing opportunities to connect with local employers and community leaders.

“Partnerships are essential to what we do,” he said. “The relationships we have with businesses, community organizations and regional leaders help us create pathways that benefit students, employers and the communities we serve.”

Pierpont Community & Technical College serves a 13-county region and offers associate degrees, certificates, workforce training and dual-enrollment opportunities designed to meet the evolving needs of students and employers across West Virginia. Learn more at Pierpont.edu.

Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.

Media Contact:

Pierpont Community and Technical College

Office of Marketing and Communications

communications@pierpont.edu