Governor Announces Grants To Concord University And West Liberty University

Press Release

Funds made possible through interest earned on the Research Trust Fund

Gov. Joe Manchin today announced the first two awards supported by interest earned on the state's Research Trust Fund, also known as the "Bucks for Brains" program, which aims to bolster activity in science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) at colleges and universities across West Virginia.

"The Bucks for Brains initiative was a deeply important leap forward for West Virginia," Gov. Manchin said. "When we approved the program last year, the goal was to not only benefit West Virginia University and Marshall University, which already are making significant strides in research thanks to our investment, but also to make sure other institutions have new opportunities for innovation and research. That's what these awards represent -- a solid commitment to higher education research that will help create new generations of strong minds and a diverse, thriving economy for West Virginia."

Concord University is set to receive $100,000 to implement a summer undergraduate research initiative for science and mathematics majors. The goal is to connect student learning with faculty development while increasing graduation rates for science and math majors, academic performance in upper-division courses, and postgraduate activities in STEM fields. Concord intends to match this grant with $150,000 from private donors over the next five years.

West Liberty University will receive $100,000 to kick off a long-term campaign that funds student stipends and high-end instrumentation purchases, which will be used by faculty researchers and students, to build on the university's growing achievements and recognized excellence in biology and chemistry. West Liberty plans to raise $100,000 in matching funds over the next five years.

"This program is designed to build intellectual capital, pioneer new economic growth and create new jobs in West Virginia," said Dr. Paul Hill, Vice Chancellor for Science and Research at the Higher Education Policy Commission. "The more we can invest in STEM fields at our colleges and universities, the more opportunities we will have to propel our state forward. And these two awards are terrific steps toward that goal."

The $50 million Research Trust Fund, which was proposed by Gov. Manchin and authorized by the Legislature in 2008, strengthens the research departments at West Virginia University and Marshall University by providing state dollars to be matched by private donations. In addition, as realized with today's announcement, the program benefits other state colleges and universities through matching grants made possible by the fund's interest account.

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