West Liberty University President Robin C. Capehart formally introduced to the public and news media the Institute for Innovation in Education at a press conference at the WLU Highlands Center on Nov. 28.
Explaining that WLU has been regarded as a leader and innovator in education since its early days in the 19th century, Capehart said the Institute would build on that tradition and strengths to keep pace with changing times.
“The mission of the Institute shall be to advance education through innovation in teaching, learning and leadership. In particular,” he noted, “the Institute shall be charged with developing for implementation innovative plans and programs that will advance the academic mission of WLU and support the advancement of education in our region and our state in general.”
He added that the Institute will serve as a medium for fostering collaborations, focusing financial support, conducting research, developing educational resources, providing professional development opportunities, creating technology infrastructures, advocating improvements in teaching and learning, evaluating educational innovations and providing information that would be beneficial in the development of public policy.
“It is our goal to push West Liberty University and our region to the forefront of education,” Capehart said.
The Institute will be headed by several experienced and highly-qualified educators. Dr. Susan McGowan-Koyzis will serve as interim dean of the honors college, which will serve the university’s highest-achieving students. Dr. Erik Root, assistant professor of political science, will focus on the learning center to assist students not completely prepared for the rigors of the college curriculum. Dr. Terry Wallace will work to implement competency-based education to provide future employers assurance that WLU graduates are more than competent in the areas of communication and critical thinking. The Institute’s executive director, Ron Witt, brings years of administrative experience as WLU’s former alumni director, university instructor and a business owner.
Capehart said the Institute’s primary focus will be higher education and K-12 education. “There also are other new and exciting projects on which we are working including two initiatives that involve a partnership with our K-12 counterparts that we hope to announce in the very new future,” he said.
For more information, contact executive director Ron Witt at (304) 336-8844 or by email at wittron@westliberty.edu.