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.
