The WVDA is responsible for supporting, regulating and promoting agriculture across West Virginia. At its core, the WVDA works to protect plant, animal and human health and ensure a safe food supply through scientific testing inspections and regulatory programs. The Department also focuses on growing the state’s agricultural economy by supporting farmers, agribusinesses and local food systems
In this episode of Our Communiversity, host Dr. Ramon Stuart, president of WVU Tech, welcomes Kent J. Gamble, Dean of Enrollment Services at WVU Tech, for an in-depth conversation about access to higher education in Southern West Virginia. The program explores how colleges like WVU Tech are working closely with local schools, families, and communities to open doors for students and help them envision a future through post-secondary education. Dr. Stuart often reminds listeners that “the community is the university and the university is the community,” and this discussion highlights how that connection helps shape opportunity across the region.
Kent J. Gamble shares insights from more than two decades in higher education, discussing the importance of early outreach, strong relationships with K–12 schools, and the value of small campus environments where students receive personal attention and support. The conversation also tackles one of the biggest questions families ask today: Is college worth it? Gamble explains how WVU Tech’s in-demand academic programs, strong job placement track record, and supportive faculty mentorship help students transition from earning a degree to launching a meaningful career.
The episode also breaks down the financial side of higher education, including the Pell Grant, the West Virginia Promise Scholarship, and other federal, state, and institutional aid programs that help make college more affordable. Dr. Stuart and Gamble discuss how many students can significantly reduce the cost of attendance through these opportunities, making a WVU Tech education both accessible and a strong return on investment. If you’re a student, parent, or community member wondering how higher education can shape the future of Southern West Virginia, this conversation offers valuable insight into the opportunities available right here at home.
