West Virginia taxpayers funded a new university center with $3 million, but as of early July only one student had signed up for any of its courses. The Washington Center for Civics, Culture and Statesmanship at West Virginia University is offering 19 courses for the Fall 2026 semester, university officials told reporters, yet enrollment remains minimal.
What residents need to know
The center was created through legislation and supported by state lawmakers who said the intent was to counter what they described as "woke ideology" in schools. The program’s director, Dr. Patrick Lee Miller, previously taught philosophy at Duquesne University. According to university communications, the center paid its director a salary in excess of $300,000.
Shauna Johnson, WVU’s executive director of strategic communications, confirmed the low enrollment in an email to media on July 9: one WVU student had registered for three of the 19 courses available for the coming fall term.
“As of July 9, one WVU student had registered for three of the 19 courses available through the Washington Center for the Fall 2026 semester,” Shauna Johnson said.
Courses and funding in brief
Course titles publicized by the center include provocative themes such as "Woke," "The New Right" and "Decline of the West." The center’s launch was highlighted in a ceremonial signing attended by Gov. Patrick Morrisey in mid-2025.
- State appropriation: $3 million
- Courses offered: 19 for Fall 2026
- Students enrolled: 1 (registered in 3 courses as of July 9)
- Director’s reported salary: more than $300,000
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| State funding | $3,000,000 |
| Fall 2026 courses | 19 |
| Students enrolled (as of July 9) | 1 |
| Director salary | >$300,000 |
West Virginia University reported total enrollment of more than 26,000 students in Fall 2025, putting the center’s initial participation in context. University officials have not provided further comment beyond the enrollment confirmation, and the center’s director did not immediately respond to requests for comment through media channels.
Local impact and next steps
The disparity between the center’s funding and its initial enrollment raises questions about demand for the program among WVU students and the broader higher education community. Taxpayer investment in new academic initiatives often prompts scrutiny when enrollment and measurable outcomes lag behind stated goals.
State lawmakers and university administrators will likely face follow-up questions about the center’s outreach, curricular fit within existing degree programs, and plans to increase student participation. For residents tracking how public dollars are spent, the development will be one to watch as the semester approaches and the university releases updated enrollment figures.
Reporting for this story included confirmation from WVU communications; additional comment from the center’s director and the governor’s office was not available at publication.
