100+ attendees discuss credential quality, digital badges, data & reporting needs and more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (October 15, 2025) — The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) convened more than 100 faculty and other higher education leaders for a third statewide summit focused on implementing microcredentials, which are short, targeted learning experiences focused on specific skills designed to be more flexible and accessible than traditional degrees. The event marked another meaningful step forward in West Virginia’s multi-year plan to expand microcredentialing opportunities statewide and better prepare students for the workplace.
At the summit, institution staff heard from national industry leaders and other West Virginia institution leaders about best practices, course development that focuses on local and regional workforce needs, how to collect and manage microcredential data, and much more. The summit, which was supported by Lumina Foundation, also included hands-on workshops designed to support state representatives wherever they may be in the process.
“Credential WV was designed to help learners of all backgrounds build relevant, job-ready skills,” said Dr. Chris Rasmussen, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. “We were thrilled to bring together our college and university leaders and dive into rich content that supports institutions as they provide affordable, accessible and workforce-aligned education for all learners. Microcredentials are one piece of the puzzle as we support students in pathways to employment and career advancement.”
During the summit, Commission staff also announced a new digital badging initiative with Accredible. While some institutions like Marshall University and West Virginia University already distribute digital microcredential badges, the WVHEPC is supporting 11 additional institutions with the rollout of their digital badging initiatives. Institutions such as Concord University, Fairmont State University and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College are among the early adopters participating thanks to a partnership with Accredible. The digital credentials provide information about the knowledge and skills learners have acquired and can be easily shared to LinkedIn and other platforms or stored in a personal digital wallet. To see an example of a Credential WV digital credential in action, click here.
As part of the phased rollout for Credential WV, staff have been visiting and will continue visits to the state’s seven workforce regions for conversations with employers about how best to align microcredentials with in-demand jobs and developing industries.
