A portion of state code binding West Virginia University's Institute of Technology to its present location in Montgomery could complicate the beleaguered school's plans to relocate to Beckley if the law remains unchanged before the move is completed in 2017.
The code in question, which states "the headquarters of West Virginia University Institute of Technology remains [sic] in Montgomery," was referenced Thursday by Kanawha County commissioners who decried the decision to move the 120-year-old school. The law, which also requires WVU Tech programs to be maintained over the next decade, was codified in 2008 as part of a higher education reform bill.
While West Virginia University officials have acknowledged there is legislation requiring WVU Tech to be headquartered in Montgomery, not much has been said about it. When asked for comment on how the law might affect relocating WVU Tech, the Gazette-Mail was directed to an informational document that said WVU will work with the Legislature "to take steps necessary to preserve Tech as an institution in Beckley, beginning in the fall of 2017."
It remains to be seen if that means WVU officials will lobby for the law's amendment. Rob Alsop, the university's vice president of legal, government and entrepreneurial engagement, could not be reached for comment.
Should it come to that though, one lawmaker said the Legislature would be willing to clarify that section of code during the next session.
"We are aware of the provisions in the statute, and have our attorneys looking into it," said Senate President Bill Cole.
The Mercer County Republican, who also is seeking his party's nomination for governor, said the Legislature, should it need to intervene, would "make every effort to do it in a way that's best for all involved."
Other Legislators who represent the Montgomery area, including state Sen. William Laird and Delegate Dave Perry, both Fayette County Democrats, could not be reached for comment.
West Virginia University's Board of Governors unanimously approved the Montgomery school's relocation to Beckley on Sept. 1, a day after President Gordon Gee and WVU Tech President Carolyn Long revealed the plan to students, faculty and staff during private meetings.
Part of the reason university officials gave for WVU Tech's relocation is failure to meet enrollment goals and serious structural issues with buildings on campus brought on by an estimated $100 million in deferred maintenance.
Starting next year, first-year students will be admitted to the Beckley campus, which was purchased by WVU earlier this year for $8 million. Its previous tenants include the University of Charleston and the now-defunct Mountain State University.
Sophomores, juniors and seniors can choose to complete their degrees in Montgomery, and the school's 15 sports programs will not be moved until after the transition is complete in 2017.
The school's future in Montgomery has been debated for years. Since assuming control of the school in 1996, West Virginia University has invested millions. The university also covered annual operating budget shortfalls since 2011, when WVU Tech exhausted its cash reserves.
School officials said the decision wasn't planned or easy, and that relocation was the only way to ensure the survival of WVU Tech.
Earlier this week, U.S. News and World Report published a report that said the school's engineering program is one of the nation's best.
The Institute of Technology was established in Montgomery in 1895.
Reach Samuel Speciale at sam.speciale@dailymailwv.com, 304-348-7939 or follow @samueljspeciale on Twitter.