Skidmore speaks to Rotarians



by Jody Murphy, jmurphy@newsandsentinel.com


James Skidmore, the chancellor of the state’s community and technical college system, addresses the Parkersburg Rotary Monday afternoon at the Blennerhassett Hotel. Photo by Jody Murphy

PARKERSBURG — The chancellor of the the state’s community and technical college system said recent legislation affecting the small college system is positive.

James Skidmore, chancellor of the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, said he was taken by surprise by a legislative bill (HB3215) that gives colleges like West Virginia University at Parkersburg an independent, local board of governors.

Skidmore addressed the Parkersburg Rotary Monday afternoon at the Blennerhassett Hotel.

He said local governing bodies for the state’s small colleges are necessary to fulfill demand for a skilled workforce. Skidmore said the community and technical colleges will focus on access, seeking to attract middle-of-the-road high school students, and skilled workforce training.

Skidmore told Rotarians a high school education won’t guarantee a decent-wage job. He emphasized the need for the state’s community and technical colleges to provide skilled-labor training for those students.

With the passage of HB3215, local governing college bodies are best suited to outline and implement curriculum designed to provide a trained, skilled workforce.

“The changes will enhance WVU-P, not hold them back,” Skidmore said. “There is no disadvantage programatically.”

When the Legislature was considering changes to the system, many were confused and unsure what the changes would mean to the state’s small-college system.

Skidmore said the proposed changes had been the end game of a process that started in 2000. Skidmore admitted he was caught off guard by the legislation.

“I knew they were moving in that direction,” Skidmore said. “I didn’t know it would happen this year. The governor supported it. The Legislature supported it so it went forward.”

Contact Joday Murphy at jmurphy@newsandsentinel.com