Shepherd University Visual Arts program received $2,085,000 in federal and/or private funding and $11,815,000 from the state Higher Education Policy Commission bond funding to provide 30,000 square feet of additional space for the visual arts program and a studio theater.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced that the State of West Virginia, through HEPC, sold higher education revenue bonds totaling $76,865,000 earlier this month. The proceeds of the bond sale will be used on a variety of projects across the state’s system of higher education and will invigorate construction jobs, while strengthening higher education infrastructure for West Virginia students.

“Through the sale of these bonds, West Virginia has positioned itself to make needed additions and improvements that will benefit students for generations to come. The projects funded with these bond proceeds will help diversify West Virginia’s economy by supporting students in key areas like science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Tomblin said in a release. “In addition, capital projects are proven economic enhancers – and the immediate potential for new and vital West Virginia jobs is very good news.”