The West Virginia State University Board of Governors on Thursday approved a 10-year development plan update that outlines $31 million in potential campus improvements over the next decade.
The plan, prepared by ZMM Architects and Engineers, calls for renovations and upgrades on campus, including $15 million in deferred maintenance. It also suggests expanding the university's border westward.
Developing and adopting a 10-year plan is routine for colleges in West Virginia. While the plan identifies potential locations for a new welcome center, student recreation complex and another residence hall, the board is not committing to projects at this point, said university spokeswoman Kimberly Osborne.
At the board's last meeting, a representative from ZMM said the plan is more of a guideline for the future.
"Nothing has to be developed now," said Adam Krason, who presented the final plan to board members Thursday.
Potential projects Krason suggests for the university include enhancements to several locations on campus as well as renovation of Wallace Hall, the Drain-Jordan Library and Davis Fine Arts Building. It also proposes building a swimming pool, dormitory and research and agriculture buildings.
Included in the plan are suggestions for carrying out the $31 million in capital improvement projects.
The first option is front-loaded with more expensive projects and the second pushes those back. While the board approved the plan Thursday, they did not decide which course they'll take because both call for spending the same amount, Osborne said.
The plan now goes to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission for final approval at its spring meeting in March.
In other business, board chairwoman Ann Smith announced significant donations have increased the university's endowment to about $7 million.
Reach Samuel Speciale at sam.speciale@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-7939 or follow @samueljspeciale on Twitter.