TRIADELPHIA - In response to the growing energy industries in the tri-state area, West Liberty University's Resource Corp. kicked off a new coal and natural gas industry initiative known as the Institute for Energy and Commerce on Tuesday at the university's Highlands Center.
During a press conference at the center, WLU President Robin Capehart said the initiative is in response to the "rapidly changing economic world in which we live."
Capehart said the program will continue to fulfill the university's role in two ways: providing a quality educational experience and serving as a resource for the community, the region and the state by producing research, programs and initiatives that will "advance the knowledge base and contribute to the economic needs" of the area.
He said everyone is aware of the coal industry's long history in the local area and its impact on the state of West Virginia, as well as the recent phenomenal growth of the natural gas industry in the local region. With students seeking future jobs in those fields and the industries seeking trained workers, Capehart said the initiative will work to provide the information to satisfy the needs of both.
Chris Hamilton, senior vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association, will take a leadership role and serve as chairman of the Institute's Industry Council.
"A lot of good things are going on in the energy field, and West Liberty's reach extends not only in West Virginia but into Ohio and Pennsylvania as a formidable, loosely structured energy alliance," Hamilton said. "It's fitting that West Liberty takes on the leadership role."