FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2025

Fairmont, WV – Pierpont Community & Technical College Interim President Dr. Michael Waide, Executive Assistant to the Board of Governors, and five members of the Pierpont Board of Governors are participating this week in the 2025 West Virginia Community and Technical College System Board of Governors Summit in Charleston, West Virginia.

The statewide event brings together college presidents, trustees and higher education leaders from across West Virginia for two days of sessions focused on governance, collaboration and policy leadership in community and technical education.

Summit topics include the role of artificial intelligence in higher education, national and state policy trends, sustainable collaboration and strategic leadership in complex environments. The event also features keynote addresses by Chancellor Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker and other state education officials.

Dr. Waide praised Pierpont’s board for its ongoing commitment to professional development and effective governance.

“Our board members are deeply committed to Pierpont’s mission and the success of our students,” Waide said. “Their participation in the statewide Board of Governors Summit reflects a shared belief in continuous learning and collaboration to strengthen our institution and the communities we serve.”

Board Chair Lisa Lang also emphasized the importance of continued growth and partnership.

“This summit gives us the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the state, exchange ideas and learn from proven practices,” Lang said. “It reinforces our commitment to transparency, accountability and advancing Pierpont’s role as a leader in workforce and technical education.”

Pierpont’s engagement in the summit demonstrates its continued focus on leadership development, policy awareness, and strategic governance, all aligned with statewide efforts to expand access to high-quality education and workforce training in North Central West Virginia.

Pierpont Community & Technical College is dedicated to providing accessible, responsive, and quality education to students and businesses throughout North Central West Virginia. With a focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers a wide range of academic programs and industry-focused training opportunities to support the region’s economic and workforce needs.

Media Contact:

Pierpont Community and Technical College

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communications@pierpont.edu