Since its launch in 2021, Open Learning WV has helped West Virginia college students save an estimated $10 million on course materials by promoting the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER), which are low- or no-cost instructional materials that replace traditional, costly textbooks. This state-led initiative, spearheaded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, continues to drive affordability, accessibility, and innovation across the state’s higher education system.
During a recent statewide OER meeting, Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College faculty member and online academic advisor Curtis Hakala received the Educator Award. Hakala has served Eastern for more than 15 years in both faculty and administrative roles and has been a driving force in expanding the use of open educational resources across courses, programs, and departments—helping reduce textbook costs while improving access for students.
A colleague emphasized that Curtis’s work goes far beyond simply offering zero-cost materials. By thoughtfully curating and adapting OER, he ensures students have access to high-quality course materials on day one and designs those materials to truly support student learning and engagement.
Monica Wilson, Vice President at EWVCTC, said, “This award highlights Curtis’s collaborative leadership—how he supports faculty, shares best practices, and encourages others to rethink how course materials can improve equity and opportunity for students. We are thankful to have Curtis on our staff here at Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College.”
Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education, applauded Hakala’s contributions, stating, “The success of our statewide OER program is thanks to the dedication of faculty members like Curtis. These savings represent real impact for thousands of West Virginia students who might otherwise struggle to afford their course materials. We’re incredibly proud of the faculty and institutions leading this work, and we’re excited to keep building on this progress.”
