The REACH Student Success Center has been named the recipient of the 2025 West Virginia Higher Education Action and Impact Award by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
Each year, the award recognizes a higher education institution or nonprofit organization that provides exemplary, innovative student support programming and leadership opportunities to students in West Virginia.
Recipients are chosen based on their partnerships, community initiatives and advocacy efforts that demonstrate a commitment to advancing student success and contributing to the broader West Virginia community.
Through success coaches, on-demand workshops, study groups, financial assistance, timely support and leadership development, the REACH Student Success Center is helping historically underserved students — particularly first-generation, low-income, and rural populations — build the academic confidence, life skills and persistence necessary to achieve their academic goals.
Regan Swan, director of REACH Student Success, said the Center’s model for impactful student success initiatives starts with a deep understanding of the individual needs of the students, especially those in underserved populations.
“The REACH program meets students where they are in their academic journey by offering a holistic and personalized approach — because we know that one size does not fit all. Our dedicated team is passionate about student success, drawing on our own experiences as many of us come from first-generation, low-income or rural backgrounds,” Swan said.
Support is available to students through the Center’s free text line or at the REACH Lounge, located on the third floor of the Student Services Center. The Lounge provides students access to support from REACH staff, workspaces, free printing, snacks, stress-relief activities and the Center’s therapy dog, Ruby.
Programs like Summer BOOST and Early Alert/Mid-Semester Help provide extra academic support to students looking to boost their GPA, earn course credit during the summer term and access time management, note-taking, reading, writing and study skills.
“The REACH Student Success Center’s innovative approach to supporting underserved students has led to measurable improvements in academic success,” said Evan Widders, associate provost for undergraduate education. “This award testifies to the University’s continued leadership in supporting and graduating first-generation, rural and low-income college students.”
Center staff were recognized during the WVHEPC 2025 Student Support Summit in Charleston on July 23.