Dr. Melvin M. "Mel" Peterson passed away in April 2024 at the age of 101. His gifts to the university totaled $9,629,490 following his final estate bequest of $5.3 million.
Students who earn an associate degree at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College will now experience a seamless transfer process to bring their credits into bachelor or master degree programs at the University of Charleston.
The $15,000 gift comes from aerospace company Pratt & Whitney, continuing a string of similar donations the company has been making since 2021.
The East Tennessee Works initiative is focused on training individuals to pursue green jobs in advanced manufacturing and green construction.
The initiative is intended to drive enrollment at the university, with students being able to pursue their interests and obtain scholarships much like students involved in athletics are able to do.
The new office reports directly to the university’s president and works to promote connectedness and belonging within the campus community.
November 1 included two ribbon cutting ceremonies on campus. One celebrated the opening of West Campus Commons and one marked the opening of a student recreation park.
The $10 million gift comes from entrepreneur and Belmont Trustee and Vice Chair Cordia Harrington to establish The CORD – Powerhouse.
Construction on the $34.5 million facility will begin in early spring 2025. Space in the 67,800-square-foot facility will be shared by Jackson State Community College and TCAT Jackson.
The scholarship is designed to benefit students who come from Fentress County, especially those who are working toward completing STEM degrees.
