Pierpont, Salem Sign Agreement to Expand Seamless Pathways for Learners in North Central West Virginia
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on March 03, 2026
Pierpont Community & Technical College and Salem University came together Tuesday, Feb. 17, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding designed to expand pathways for learners across north?central West Virginia. Held at Pierpont’s Advanced Technology Center, the event highlighted a shared commitment to removing barriers and supporting students as they continue their education.
The agreement creates a bridge between the two institutions by guaranteeing admission for qualified applicants, accepting up to 90 transfer credits, recognizing prior learning and experience and offering partner?discounted tuition rates at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral 
levels. It also extends access to noncredit and workforce?aligned offerings through Salem’s Integrative Health Institute or Workforce Education and Readiness Center, giving students and employees new opportunities to advance their skills and credentials.
levels. It also extends access to noncredit and workforce?aligned offerings through Salem’s Integrative Health Institute or Workforce Education and Readiness Center, giving students and employees new opportunities to advance their skills and credentials.
Pierpont Interim President Dr. Michael Waide opened the ceremony by emphasizing how meaningful institutional collaboration can be for adult and working learners.
“Partnerships like this one with Salem University are essential to expanding opportunity across our region. By creating affordable, clearly defined pathways into bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs, we are removing barriers for students, employees and families who want to continue their education while staying connected to the communities they serve.”
From Salem University, Dr. Greg Kuhns, Dean of Education, spoke about the shared purpose behind the new partnership.
“Today represents more than the signing of an agreement — it is a shared promise to students, families and our broader community. By strengthening the pathway between Pierpont and Salem, we are creating clear, seamless transfer opportunities that reduce barriers and help
students progress efficiently from associate to bachelor’s study and beyond. Partnerships like this expand access, align programs with workforce demand and ensure students are supported every step of the way.”
Pierpont Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs David Beighley reflected on the practical impact the agreement will have on learners who rely on flexibility, clarity and affordability to advance their education.
“This is more than a transfer pathway — it is a promise of access. This agreement ensures that when our students complete an associate degree, industry credential, or workforce training program, they are not at the end of their journey — they are at a launch point. Our communities need seamless educational pathways and options that are flexible, affordable and aligned to workforce demand. Today’s signing reflects that spirit.”
Dr. LaQueda Taulton, Vice President of Growth and Development at Salem University, emphasized the collaboration and shared mission that made the agreement possible.
“We are grateful for this partnership and for the shared commitment that brought us here. Today’s signing reflects real alignment and purpose, and we are confident this collaboration will create new opportunities for our students, our institutions and the communities we serve.”
Faculty, staff and administrators from both institutions attended the ceremony, which included a formal signing table featuring diploma covers symbolizing each learner’s continued academic journey.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Waide returned to the importance of creating pathways that remove friction for students — especially those balancing work, family and study.
“As we close today’s ceremony, I want to highlight why this partnership matters. For so many learners, the difference between starting and finishing is not ability — it’s structure, cost and clarity. By aligning advising, communicating clearly and removing barriers, we help students move from aspiration to completion. When institutions choose partnership over isolation, our students win and our region grows stronger. Together, we are building a more seamless educational ladder for north?central West Virginia.”
The event also included additional academic leaders from both colleges, with Salem University represented by Stephanie Roberts, Angela Summers and Alexander Joseph, as well as many members of the Pierpont community. Today’s signing marks the beginning of continued work to expand access, deepen partnerships and support learners across north?central West Virginia.
Editor's Note: Shown are Pierpont and Salem officials following Tuesday's agreement.
