Right on cue, funding is lined up to complete the first phase of a new practice facility for the West Virginia University Mountaineer Marching Band. The WVU Board of Governors approved approximately $1.6 million for the Pride Practice Field and Facility project during a regular meeting Friday (Feb. 21).

Construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin March 1, and should be completed in July in time for the start of fall band camp.

Phase one of the donor-driven project at the Med Fields located on the Health Sciences Campus will create an artificial turf football field to be called Don Wilcox Field and relocate the band tower. The site already features lighting for evening practices. When not in use by the “Pride of West Virginia,” the field will be used for intramural sports.

Later phases envision the construction of a new storage building and a covered pavilion.

In his report Friday, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider highlighted the University’s R1 reaffirmation earlier this month, the highest possible research ranking.

“I continue to be amazed by the research contributions of our faculty and the outstanding opportunities they provide our students — both undergraduate and graduate,” Kreider said. “Students seek out this institution to work with our renowned astrophysicists, forensic scientists, infectious disease researchers and more. As we invest in and grow programs that attract these world-class students and faculty, WVU will continue to be a leader in research and development and an economic engine for the state and region.”

WVU President Gordon Gee told Board members Friday the University will play a key role in the WV POWER Tech Center, a new initiative announced during Gov. Patrick Morissey’s State of the State address.

“We at West Virginia University are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with Marshall, Shepherd and Blue Ridge on further efforts to make the Mountain State a technology leader,” Gee said. “Building on our University’s existing strengths in AI, robotics, energy, cybersecurity and other areas, we will work with our partners to build a high-tech workforce.”

Gee also addressed how WVU is monitoring activities of the 2025 West Virginia Legislative Session, as well as recent state and federal executive orders and agency guidance.

“I want to thank our students, faculty and staff for their patience as we work through these complex issues in a thoughtful and thorough way,” Gee said.

Other BOG actions Friday included approving:

• Amendments to WVU BOG Finance and Administration Rule 5.8 — Travel to remove the requirement for booking travel through a University-contracted travel management company.
• New academic programs such as an online Master of Arts degree in Leadership Studies in Education, new Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education and Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Science Education.
• Transferring a right-of-way to the West Virginia Department of Transportation for the WVU Tech Campus Corridor Sidewalk Project.

View the Feb. 21 BOG regular meeting agenda and meeting materials.

The next regular BOG meeting is scheduled for April 4.