Associated Press Published

WVU Board Delays Mountain State Purchase Decision

Woodburn Hall, West Virginia University

  West Virginia University’s board will take two more weeks to decide whether to retain exclusive rights to purchase Mountain State University’s campus in Beckley.

The board delayed its decision until Dec. 22 at a meeting Friday in Morgantown. The university says the board will continue its analysis of academic possibilities and economic factors associated with the deal.

WVU President Gordon Gee announced last month that the schools had entered into an exclusive agreement to evaluate the possible purchase. The agreement allows WVU to explore the private Beckley-based school’s facilities, location, academic programs, student services, learning opportunities and other areas.

Mountain State closed after it lost its accreditations in 2012.

The University of Charleston took over Mountain State’s campuses in Beckley and Martinsburg so students could complete their degrees.