WVSU Signs Agreement with West Virginia National Guard to Develop Internships

12/14/2017

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) to develop internships for students with the Guard’s Fitness Training Program.

Through the agreement, students studying in the health and wellness fields will be afforded an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with WVNG units as well as soldiers and families participating in the Fitness Training Program.

“We are excited to partner with the West Virginia National Guard under the leadership of Major General James Hoyer to provide another avenue for students in our nationally recognized sports studies program to gain valuable experience working outside the classroom,” said WVSU President Anthony L. Jenkins. “This partnership is a win-win providing practical services to Guard members and their families while also giving our students an experiential learning opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities.”

The agreement was signed Thursday, Dec. 14, at the WVNG’s joint forces headquarters in Charleston and is believed to be the first of its type in the country between a guard unit and higher education institutions.

“Retention and training of the West Virginia National Guard force, and their families, helps to create and maintain a fit and ready force able to face the challenges in today’s ever-changing environment,” said Command Sgt. Maj. James Allen, West Virginia National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader. “The WVNG Fitness Training Program is a valuable tool to educate and self-motivate soldiers to both lead a healthy lifestyle as well as encourage and mentor others within their units to do the same. By giving our soldiers the tools they need to be successful and incorporating innovative approaches through partnerships with these university’s students, we express a prudent investment in the current and future leaders of our organization.”

In addition to WVSU, the University of Charleston, Marshall University, West Virginia University, Shepherd University, and Davis and Elkins College are also participating in the agreement.

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West Virginia State University is a public, land grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi-generational institution, located in Institute, W.Va. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service, and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research.