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Big Data, Bigger Wins

Big Data, Bigger Wins

The year 2023 was a significant one for Data Driven WV. One of the Chambers College’s research and outreach centers, Data Driven WV works to improve living and working conditions statewide through data-centric and technological solutions, with clients ranging from small businesses to large corporations.

The Center received a $150,000 donation from corporate partner WesBanco to ensure its continued operation and expansion. An investment like that requires outcomes, and Data Driven WV has plenty to show off, including a partnership with women’s self-defense nonprofit #500Rising and a collaboration with state government to expand broadband access statewide.

Data Driven WV also welcomed its inaugural class of Lewis Fellows, six students who will assume leadership roles in community impact projects. Additionally, the inaugural Denton Fellowship was awarded to Management Information Systems student Taggart Shea, who acted as project manager in a partnership with Monongalia Emergency Medical Services.

“2023 was a transformative year, advancing our mission for statewide betterment,” said Josh Meadows, director of Data Driven WV. “It was also a year of enriching student engagement, offering hands-on experiences in real-world projects. As we enter 2024, we're committed to continuing our work uplifting West Virginia's communities and fostering the next generation of leaders."

Get Hyped

How did a global megacompany decide to invest in the Mountain State in developing the transportation of the future? Well, we have the Chambers College, Vantage Ventures and its Executive Director Sarah Biller to thank for helping land Virgin Hyperloop. The company announced it would build a certification center spanning nearly 800 acres in Tucker and Grant counties. When completed, the Virgin Hyperloop system expects to carry passengers in pods through a vacuum tube at speeds breaking 600 mph. Read more about it in an upcoming feature story in 2021 in WVU Magazine. 

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Celebrating in Style

When COVID-19 hit, many faculty members were left learning virtual tools and hoping for some good news. Our Associate Professor of Marketing, Dr. Laurel Cook, did both. Cook receiving the news of her award of tenure was both exciting and joyful – a rainbow over the year 2020. While she could not throw the celebration party she had always wanted out of respect for our state’s COVID-19 restrictions, she did throw a one-of-a-kind photo session to share her news. “As a first-generation faculty member, this achievement is a reflection of the support and encouragement of my family,” said Cook. “Plus, this award bodes well for future generations in my family, and I am also incredibly grateful to West Virginia University and Chambers College.”

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Business Butterfly Effect

What happens to small businesses when big retailers shut down?

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The Hall

The West Virginia Business Hall of Fame posthumously honored coal industry billionaire and philanthropist Chris Cline and three other state business leaders who have led widespread growth.

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Immersed in Indonesian

Jana El-Khatib, a Master of Business Administration student from Hurricane, West Virginia, was one of four WVU students to earn the Critical Language Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State. Over the summer of 2021, El-Khatib got to study Indonesian, a language she became interested in after spending time living in Southeast Asia as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. She hopes to use the skills gained from the scholarship to improve her cultural competency for a future career as a healthcare provider. 

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