West Virginia’s University of Charleston Equips Students for Success
The University of Charleston offers opportunities that make a difference in students' lives.
Sponsored by: University of Charleston
Just across the river from downtown Charleston, WV, and the state Capitol, the University of Charleston offers students a learning environment that sets them on a path to success.
Dr. Martin Roth, UC’s president, says a meaningful mentor relationship, coupled with hands-on learning, are two factors that are proven to influence students’ life satisfaction after graduation.
“We are steadfastly focused on helping students achieve their personal goals and professional success,” Roth says. “We make sure students are able to take what they are learning in the classroom and apply it in internships, clinical rotations, service learning and more.”
One venue for this is the new University of Charleston Downtown Innovation Hub, which provides resources for small businesses to help them scale up and grow.
“Our students will use their classroom learning and help small businesses take advantage of the tools, knowledge and skills they are developing,” Roth adds.
UC’s largest programs are in health care and business, along with several STEM programs. Recognizing that not all students are traditional high school graduates, the university also has a number of programs that appeal to working adults.
“Over half our students are now enrolled in fully online programs,” Roth says. “We’re proud to be able to work with those individuals and help them with their career aspirations.”
The university, which has an enrollment of just over 2,500 students, has high levels of student satisfaction and retention.
“We are consistently growing our enrollment year over year, which is pretty unique in West Virginia and across the higher education landscape in the U.S,” Roth says. “The overall feedback we get from students tells us how much they enjoy their experience at UC, whether they are one of our campus-based students here in Charleston or Beckley, or a student who engages with us fully online,” Roth continues. “We think the experiences we offer to students help us deliver on those things that make a difference in their lives.”
