GLENVILLE, W.Va. — Glenville State University officials are touting a new fitness facility as a transformative addition to the campus in Gilmer County.

The new Morris Family Health and Fitness Complex is in development and should be open by Summer 2026. The facility is made possible through the generous donations of GSU benefactor Ike Morris and his family along with other donors. The facility will eventually be the home of the school’s College of Health Sciences and academic programs.

“The Morris Family Health and Fitness Complex is a bold step forward in our mission to strengthen the well-being of our campus and rural West Virginia,” said Dr. Mark A. Manchin, President of Glenville State University. “As someone deeply committed to the values my family has long championed, especially in the realm of rural healthcare, I am proud to see Glenville State University lead the way in creating meaningful change. The Morris Family Health and Fitness Complex will serve as a beacon of wellness, education, and hope for this region.”

The announcement of plans for construction of the new facility comes alongside the unveiling of new programs at Glenville State including new academic concentrations for Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physicians Assistant, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Chiropractic, and Pre-Athletic Training. Along with the fitness facility, the school has also announced plans for development of the Rural Community Health and Wellness Clinic which will be located inside the Waco Center in a new nursing area.

“The combination of the RCHWC and the Morris Family Health & Fitness Complex will provide our students the opportunity to study and use state-of-the-art equipment while positively impacting the health of our campus, our community, and the State of West Virginia,” said Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Kevin Evans.

University officials stressed the new developments underscore GSU’s commitment to addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved rural communities while training qualified healthcare professionals ready and willing to work in these areas.