Governor's Schools History

A History

Governor's Schools of West Virginia

In 1984, Governor John D. Rockefeller, IV, started West Virginia's firs Governor's School, the West Virginia Goveernor's Honors Academy (GHA). GHA is a project born of a partnership among education, business leaders and state government. It is designed to stimulate and support excellence in education through a three-week summer program, which is provided without cost to 180 (originally 140) of the state's top achieving high school juniors. During its first three years, the Academy was held at West Virginia Wesleyan College under the supervision of Mr. James Snyder and Dr. Barbara Jones of the West Virginia Department of Education with Dr. Ed Piper as Dean.

Through a competitive bidding process to host GHA for the next two years, Shepherd College college was selected as host beginning in 1987. Dr. John King was Dean and Mr. Jim Snyder was the State Director.

When the Academy moved to Fairmont State College in 1989, Dr Harry Faulk was appointed dean, and Dr. Virginia Simmons became the State Director. Following the Fairmont tenure, WVU was the host 1991-1993. Dr. William Collins was Dean. Dr. David Bard served as Dean during the two years that GHA was held at Concord College, and Dr. Charlotte Giles was Dean during 1995-1996 when West Virginia State College was the host. In 1997,

West Virginia University accepted a five-year contract. Dr. Virginia Simmons resigned her position in August 1999, and Sherry Keffer was named the State Director. Dr. Bill Collins served as Dean at WVU until his retirement; Dr. Keith Garbutt succeeded him. In 1991, the Governor's Honors Academy received national recognition and West Virginia was host for the National Conference of Governor's Schools' annual meeting. Governor Gaston Caperton, and First Lady Rachel Worby wlcomed participants from 35 states at the Greenbrier Hotel and Resort.

SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS INITIATED IN 1994

In 1994, under the leadership of Governor Gaston Caperton and State Suprintendent of Schools Dr. Henry Marockie, the West Va. Governor's School for the Arts(GSA) was created. Initiated through the efforts of First Lady Rachel Worby, the first GSA at Fairmont State College proved to be a Mecca for 63 accomplished and growing young artists in the areas of dance, instrumental music, theatre and the visual arts. In 1998, the GSA broadened the curriculum to include vocal music. In 2003, Creative Writing was added, and in 2008, Digital Media was introduced.

The number of students has increased through the years to 100. Fairmont State hosted GSA 1994-1998; Marshall University was selected as the site for 1999-2000, with Dr. Larry Stickler as Dean. West Liberty State College, under Dean Mark Williams was the host 2001-2--2, followed by a two-year stint at West Virginia University, where the Dean was William J Windsor. After a two-year return to Marshall, the current site (2008-2009) is West Liberty State College. Mr. Alfred deJaager is the Dean.

SCHOOLS FOR MATH AND SCIENCE

A two-year grant from the Berry Educational Trust and Myan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., provided the opportunity to add schools for Math and Science at two levels--one for rising 11th graders and one for rising 8th graders. Developed by WVU President Neil Bucklew, Dr. William Collins and Dr. Gary Seldomridge of Potomac State College, the Governor's School for Mathematics and Science challenged students with problem-based learning situations. Although the intent was to make the schools long-running, the funding lapsed after the initial two years. Between 1995 and 2000, there were no math-and-science-specific opportunities for students. Governor Bob Wise, seeing that deficit, earmarked more than $400,000 of surplus from his inauguration fund for the deveopment of a math and science school for middle school students.

MORE TO COME.

Sherry Keffer

Director of Governor’s Schools

Capitol Building 5, Room 205

1900 Kanawha Boulevard East

Charleston, WV 25305

304-558-2440

sherry.l.keffer@wv.gov