This fall, for the first time ever, West Virginia University at Parkersburg students will be able to live on campus. The college is opening residence halls at its new Innovation and Technology Center (ITC) campus, using the renovated former dormitories of Ohio Valley University.
The new student housing, called The Residences at ITC, will be ready for move-in this August. The first phase includes 55 single units — 28 for female students and 27 for male students — each equipped with a bed, desk, wardrobe, and sink. Students will also have access to on-site laundry and free Wi-Fi.
These buildings are owned and operated by the WVUP Foundation, which has overseen extensive renovations to get them ready. The upgrades include new flooring, fresh paint, and brand-new furniture.
Supporting Students Through On-Campus Housing
Olivia Reeder, President and CEO of the WVUP Foundation, said the board made the decision to provide student housing with a clear goal in mind.
“Our board knew that housing is essential for expanding access to education, improving student success, and helping the college grow,” Reeder said. “This is about breaking down barriers for students who may not have a stable place to live or who live too far to commute.”
The residence halls aim to support a more connected and vibrant campus life. Students will not only be closer to their classes but will also have the chance to engage more fully in the college experience.
A New Era for WVU Parkersburg
The opening of these dorms marks a major shift for WVU Parkersburg, which has historically been a commuter campus.
“This is a foundational step in transforming WVU Parkersburg into a destination campus,” Reeder said. “It will help us attract a more diverse student population and build a stronger sense of community.”
Students between the ages of 18 and 22 will be eligible for the new housing, which will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A third-party group, Pickering Land Group, will manage the property to ensure a quality, student-focused living experience.
The total cost for renovating the dorms is expected to be around $500,000. The Foundation is partnering with a third party to fund the project.
The Innovation and Technology Center: More Than Just Housing
The new residence halls are part of a larger transformation at WVU Parkersburg. The ITC campus, located in the former OVU Stotts Administration Building, will also begin hosting classes this fall. It will serve as a hub for in-demand programs like Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Mechanical Engineering Technology.
“This facility is designed to prepare students for today’s most in-demand careers,” said WVUP President Torie Jackson. “We’re offering hands-on training in modern labs, and we’re also bringing in industry partners to give students real-world experience, internships, and job opportunities.”
The ITC will also serve broader community needs, including childcare services, workforce training, and access to regional transportation.
A Campus Transformed
“This isn’t just about housing,” Jackson said. “It’s about offering a true collegiate experience. With residence halls near their classes, our students can live, learn, and grow on campus.”
Students interested in moving into The Residences at ITC this fall should contact the WVUP Foundation at 304-424-8340 for more information and to begin the verification process.
With this major step forward, WVU Parkersburg is redefining what it means to be a college campus in the Mid-Ohio Valley — one rooted in opportunity, innovation, and student success.
