The Joint Education Committee toured Bluefield State University during travel interims today. First, the committee heard from professors and students in the education program. The presenters highlighted community partnerships with Mercer County Technical Education Center, McDowell County Technical Education Center, and with local schools for hiring and substituting positions while students are in school. The university participates in the Grow Your Own Program, which allows students to begin on the education track in high school. Students then come to Bluefield for a year or two, then return to their home county for a residency.

The presenters noted that they provide the courses necessary for current substitutes to receive the alternative certification for teaching. The alternative certification is a program provided by the West Virginia Department of Education to address the teacher shortage. The individuals in the program at Bluefield are already in the classroom teaching; their certification provides them with the guidance needed. The university also offers online programs for elementary education and multidisciplinary special education.

Next, the committee received a tour of the mining, engineering, and technology programs. In the mining program, there are 17 students. All types of mining are covered in the courses. Courses are developed with industry professionals, who also teach and present in the classroom. The instructors and course creators work with and listen to the partners in the field to ensure they are preparing their students for the future. The same partners are the ones hiring the graduates in the industry. Currently, the mining program has more scholarships available than students, but they are hoping to change that as the program continues to grow.

The committee toured a variety of engineering and technology labs including the mechanical lab, where 3D printing and robotics take place; the process control lab, which allows students to learn how to troubleshoot a variety of issues that may arise using technology they will see in the field; the electric control lab, which demonstrates what students will see in field and has controls for wiring, meter reading and PLC equipment; the civil engineering and technology lab, where students test soil and materials as well as learn about construction and development; and the machine shop. The committee also heard from students in the computer science and software engineering programs. Every student who spoke in these programs stated that they had had ample opportunities for internships. They stated that they were well prepared to step into the industry with what they learned at Bluefield State University. The motto repeated during the visit was “Small School, Big Opportunities.” The committee continued on for a tour of the nursing programs.

The Joint Committee on Education toured Concorded University to see improvements to the university and hear from faculty, staff, and students. The tour began in the updated athletics facility, the Carter Center. Concord offers 18 sports and has over 500 student-athletes. In the updated facility, seven sports can be practiced simultaneously. Presenters mentioned the antigravity treadmill, stating that the school is the only Division 2 university with this treadmill, which is important in the rehabilitation of athletes’ injuries. The coaches expressed the importance of being competitive to recruit at a national level, but being able to build relationships to retain players.

Concord’s motto is: Come to learn, go to serve. The university has been known for education, business, and social work programs. However, the university is expanding into the health sciences with the new physician’s assistant program and the nursing program. The university’s enrollment this fall was just under 2,000 students, with around 1600 being from West Virginia. There are 307 graduate students at Concord.

The social work program offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. From 2022 to 2025, the program had 661 bachelor’s students with 83 graduates. During the same time, the program had 923 master’s students with 323 graduates. Most of the social work graduates are from West Virginia. The education program received the annual assessment achievement award for 2023-2024. Half of the students are NOYCE grant recipients, which is a fellowship for undergraduates who have a STEM degree and wish to earn a master’s in education. Additionally, the university offers an online elementary program, which has allowed nontraditional students to earn a degree.

The science, math, and health program updates have provided a safe and modern place for students to learn. The mathematics and computer science programs are modernized and offer partnerships with Mercer County Technical School. The biology program has received renovated lab spaces with Anatomage tables, which allow students to study anatomy digitally. The physical and environmental science programs utilized $5 million in external grants for the Rare Elements Analysis Center, which houses the electron microprobe (EMP) – a high-magnification microscope that uses electrons, instead of light, to examine a sample. The EMP has been utilized to analyze samples for scientists worldwide.

In social sciences, the university has seen an uptick in students getting involved in student political organizations, applying for grants, and utilizing AI. In the health sciences, faculty and students have been involved in conferences and medical missions. The nursing program graduated its first cohort, with 100 percent exam passage and job placement. The nursing program is a four-year program. Students receive hands-on experience guided by professors through research and fieldwork. The nursing program offers a simulation lab and skills lab with mannequins, with the technology to respond to interactions with students. These allow students to practice nursing skills with life-like patients. It is an extension of the clinical setting. The first physician’s assistant program has 24 students. Next fall, the program will have two cohorts on campus.

Concord also offers an esports program, in which students from the following majors participate: cybersecurity, biology, education, and business. Esports provides experience in production, graphic design, photography, and videography. This year, the program won the 2025 Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup for the Rocket League Championship. The school competes against larger schools and recruits uncovered talent in the esports arena. At Concord, esports is a vessel to guide students to being productive members of society by channeling their interests into careers. Gaming is just a part of esports; a variety of careers can be found in esports. Students participating have an average GPA of 3.11. If a student in the program drops below a 3.0 GPA, they are required to take study hours. If they drop below 2.5, they are benched. The program gives back by assisting high school and middle school programs, providing summer camps, and offering scholarships. The program also brings in money for the institution, as it brings in more than it spends.

The business program at Concord is the largest program on campus, offering both an undergraduate business degree and a master’s in business administration. The program provides a variety of opportunities for students to network through socials and an etiquette dinner. The business program gives back to the community through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This program allows students to prepare taxes for low-income elderly taxpayers in the area under the supervision of their professors. Over 2,000 tax returns were completed this year, saving payers over $500,000 in tax prep fees. The business program is also focused on tourism and the growth of technology and business innovation.

The Joint Committee on Finance met today to hear a presentation on the West Virginia State Fair Board Economic Impact.

According to the presenter, a study was conducted on the fairgrounds in the U.S., which found that fairgrounds have a total economic impact of $52 billion on local economies. More than 29 percent of the US population attends a fair each year. Every $1 of public money invested in a fairground yields $9 return. Fairs generated $1.29 billion in state sales tax. However, fairs are more than just money; they also have a cultural impact. West Virginia is known for having many fairs and festivals. The WV State Fair started in 1921 as the Greenbrier Valley Fair. This year it celebrated 100 years, including the 20 years as the Greenbrier Valley Fair. The State fair did not open during 1942, 1943, 1944, or 1945 due to WWII. Therefore, 2025 was the 100th year the fair was held.

The State Fairgrounds has 10 year-round staffers. During the 10-day fair, there are 175 employees, and the fair generates $356,000 in payroll. The 100th anniversary of the fair was attended by 165,000 people, of whom 42,000 bought concert tickets. The fair generated $4.6 billion in food sales and $1.4 million in carnival sales. This year, the fair had a $42.8 million impact on West Virginia, and generated $2.5 million in tax revenue and $90,000 in property taxes. The fair had two sold-out concerts and sold over $1 million in lottery tickets.

The fairgrounds are used for more than the West Virginia state fair and host several non-fair events. This year, the fair board created its own music festival, Wild Trails Music Festival, which was held in June. It had 7,200 attendees from 41 states and 5 provinces in Canada. It had a significant impact on local and regional tourism. The fairgrounds are also the site of several camper rallies with 600 hookups. The WV fairgrounds have hosted national and international rallies. Additionally, the campgrounds are available to tourists seasonally.

The fair board participates in community giving through scholarships, civic and school group support, and agriculture.

The WV Fair Board is planning for the next 100 years with reinvestment. Several projects are planned, including grandstand reservation and stage project: $4 million – will begin Sept 1, 2026; campground expansion: $5 million; Concert venue and facilities, Indoor livestock arena, and agriculture/livestock facility upgrades. The total cost for improvements is $35 million.

The Joint Judiciary Committee met this morning for an overview of the Kratom Enforcement Process. Kratom is a psychoactive extract from a plant grown in Southeast Asia; Some say it has an opioid-like effect.

In 2023, Article 12 of Chapter 19 of the WV Code was amended to include Kratom. According to presentations, WV has the highest buy rate of kids’ 28 percent. Vape stores are the problem, as they are targeting and selling to children, which is a felony. Individuals must be 21 or older to purchase Kratom. These stores keep popping up; there are currently over 600 standalone vape shops. In 2025, there have been over 415 criminal complaints. In 2022, the number was only 48.

Some legislation requests include laws to make it illegal for employees to live where they work. Additionally, may of the owners of vape shops are out of state, which means they need an in-state responsible person. One of the few states with strong regulations on these substances. According to the Department of Agriculture, there are no kratom vaping products registered in West Virginia. The department has found 109 shops selling illegal products. Operations have been shut down (unable to sell kratom or THC) for repeated infractions or large issues. The program is self-funded, as the revenue from taxes and fees are used to run the program for testing etc. Having an identification card scan to enter a website or to purchase would provide better security.