Glenville State University will be one of 13 institutions to receive the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative Grant (ARCI) funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Dr. Mark Sarver, Associate Professor of Business and Workforce Learning Experiences Manager will lead the student research addressing the need for moderate income housing to attract professional talent to central West Virginia.
Since 2001, more than 22 colleges and universities – and over 2,800 students- from across Appalachia have participated in ARC’s Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI). This applied research training program helps Appalachian students conduct research and develop projects supporting economic development in their communities.
Glenville State University students will work with the Little Kanawha Area Development Corporation and Gilmer County Economic Development Association to complete a multiple case study to investigate the need for and solutions to addressing modern, affordable moderate-income housing needed to attract professionals in higher education and medicine to the rural economically distressed Appalachian counties of Calhoun and Gilmer located in central West Virginia.
Dr. Sarver notes, “This is a great opportunity for our students to get hands on experience researching a critical issue in central West Virginia. Gilmer has FCI Gilmer and Glenville State University and Calhoun County has Minnie Hamilton Hospital. We will look at the impact the lack of housing has on recruiting professionals to the area and then research strategies other rural Appalachian communities are using to address issues in their community”
“Receiving the Appalachian Collegiate Research Grant reaffirms our commitment to empowering our students and faculty to engage in meaningful research that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of our region. This grant not only supports our academic endeavors but also strengthens our bond with the Appalachian community we proudly serve.” – Dr. Mark A. Manchin, President of Glenville State University.
“I chose to participate in this research because I view this as an opportunity to develop research skills, data analysis abilities, and gain a better understanding of how to conduct experimental studies in a real-world context. I also am excited to broaden my perspective on societal issues and gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that contribute to housing challenges.” says senior Abby McDermott.
The students will present their findings to both Gilmer and Calhoun County commissioners in November and to a national audience in Washington DC at the ACRI Student Research Forum December 1-2.
This is the first time the ARCI Grant has been awarded to Glenville State University.
So, Gayle Manchin is now the head of the ARC. That might have something to do with why GSU finally received support from the organization. And, prior to the pandemic, we had plenty of moderate-income housing. The problem is, we’re being gentrified. Out-of-state folks paid the inflated housing prices, making most listings too expensive for local “moderate” incomes. Of course, faculty housing is important for GSU, since theirs is falling apart. We went through all this when they built the prison. Minimal locals hired, new hires chose not to live in Gilmer. These “imports” to fill professional jobs are professional transients. They purchase local housing because GSU’s faculty housing is almost decrepit, and when their work is done they move on. Grantsville is gaining new life, but Glenville is a dump. These imports come, they work, they don’t invest anything locally, and then they leave. Start with a conversation with Mayor Petrovsky. He’s a prison import who purchased a local home and has gotten involved with the local community. We need to import more people like that, not people who move here to work with the main goal to move on later.