Business & Finance

Christian university in West Virginia is closing amid financial struggles

The shutdown of Ohio Valley University in Vienna, W.Va., affects about 170 students.
Dec. 9, 2021
2 min read

The financially struggling Ohio Valley University in Vienna, W.Va., has announced that it is closing

The school, which has about 170 students, has decided not to offer a second semester of classes, The West Virginia Metro News reports.

University President Michael Ross disclosed the decision in a letter to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

“We find ourselves in an extremely difficult financial situation and know that we have work to do to complete the current semester,” Ross wrote. “We do not make this decision lightly and realize the work ahead to meet the needs of our students is priority.”

The Christian Chronicle reports that the university has failed to make payroll for months, but an anonymous donor has stepped forward and committed $900,000 to pay all employees through the end of December, said Don Lallathin, the university’s director of philanthropy.

“It feels good that we will be able to make payroll, and as we get into the Christmas season, we will be able to pay our employees,” Lallathin said

Last week, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission posted a meeting agenda that included a proposed resolution urging revocation of the university's authorization to confer degrees in the state.

University officials are working on a plan to help seniors finish their education at other schools, Ross said.

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