W.Va. private college to end Jesuit affiliation, change name
WHEELING, W.Va. (AP) — A private West Virginia university in financial crisis says it is ending its affiliation with the Jesuit order while maintaining its Roman Catholic identity.
Wheeling Jesuit University says in a statement the move will occur at the end of the academic year.
The statement says the university will undergo a name change and will continue to offer Catholic Mass, while the Jesuit order will continue campus ministry and retreat programs.
Father Robert Hussey of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus says the Jesuits understand a reorganization is necessary and wish the university success in the future.
The university previously announced more than half its academic programs will be cut next year. Wheeling Jesuit President Michael Mihalyo Jr. says financial sustainability and refocusing academic programs that in part reflect student and workforce demands "is the best path forward."