The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission granted Wheeling University provisional reauthorization to confer degrees during its meeting Friday in South Charleston.

Provisional reauthorization means that WU is reauthorized to confer degrees as long as it continues to provide the HEPC periodic information showing that it is complying with the commission’s guidelines.

“Given ongoing concerns regarding the financial condition of Wheeling University, as articulated in Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025 audited financial statements, it is recommended that the Commission grant provisional reauthorization,” according to an HEPC staff report. “This provisional reauthorization is contingent on the ability of Wheeling University to provide, without interruption, essential services such as instruction, financial aid processing, and other critical student services.”

Financial concerns several years ago had led governing bodies like the Higher Learning Commission to become concerned about Wheeling University’s long-term status. In 2025, the HLC tagged WU with a “financial issue” designation.

According to published reports, David Hendrickson, the chairman of WU’s Board of Trustees, addressed the HEPC on Friday, mentioning the progress it has made in recent years. Former president Ginny Favede’s contract was not renewed and Dianna Vargo, the former Ohio County Schools superintendent, was elevated to that job. The university has recently announced a $525,000 gift from the trust of alumna Sandra Piper Sonneborn, as well as a $1.5 million pledge from alumnus John A. Mitchell, both to fund scholarships at the university.

Wheeling also is about to break ground on the the renovations for Bishop Schmitt Field, a $2 million project that already is halfway funded from donations by Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration and WesBanco.