A proposed absorption of the West Virginia University mining engineering into its petroleum and natural gas engineering school has been tabled indefinitely by school officials.
A plan was originally announced earlier this year, part of wide-ranging staff cuts at the Appalachian institution. A walk-out was organized in September to oppose the move, and many mining engineering alumni have spoken up in op-eds with regional media and at industry events.
The West Virginia Coal Association was one of the first to confirm the decision, noting that it is working closely with state governor Jim Justice, WVU President E. Gordon Gee, school dean Pedro J. Mago and special assistant to President Gee, General Hoyer, to develop initiatives to strengthen, grow and sustain what it called a “superior mining engineering program” in northern West Virginia – one of just a dozen or so remaining programs for the discipline in the U.S.
“In essence, we have the opportunity to have greater input and involvement with this critical program going forward and play a role in its future,” WVCA President Chris Hamilton said.
“Towards that end, the association is partnering with a special program and job fair planned for December 5 in Morgantown to attract and recruit freshman engineering students towards our industry (please note that engineering students do not choose a college or field of study i.e., mining, petroleum, aerospace, mechanical, etc., until their second year in the program).”
The WVCA said it will also continue to stay involved to coordinate and monitor the advancement of the program.
Source: West Virginia Coal Association