NC West Virginia News

West Virginia University Board of Governors Vice-Chair and Presidential Search Committee Chair Dr. Patrice Harris sent a letter to the University community on Monday, June 24, providing an update on the presidential search process.

In the letter, Dr. Harris stated that the Board of Governors is advancing the selection process for the next president. "It is my pleasure to share with you some actions the Board of Governors has taken in recent meetings, and to outline important next steps that anticipate your active participation," she wrote.

In May, a selection committee composed of Board members and WVU staff reviewed 11 proposals from executive search firms. After careful consideration, WittKieffer was chosen to support the presidential search process due to their expertise and understanding of West Virginia University.

Dr. Harris emphasized the importance of community input in developing expectations for the position and attracting top candidates. The Search Committee will extend community listening sessions into the fall semester to maximize participation from faculty, staff, and students. These sessions will begin in July following an initial convening of the Search Committee.

The Board endorsed the composition of the Presidential Search Committee at its June 21 meeting. Dr. Harris will chair this committee, which includes representatives from various university sectors:

- **Board of Governors Representatives:**

- Patrice Harris, MD

- Kevin Craig

- Charles Capito Jr.

- Bray Cary

- **Faculty Representatives:**

- Jennifer Walker, PhD

- Lauren Prinzo

- Maura McLaughlin, PhD

- **Staff Representative:**

- Joan Crabtree

- **Student Representative:**

- Zachary Ellis

- **Dean Representative:**

- Joshua Hall, PhD

- **Athletic Representative:**

- Natasha Oakes

- **WVU Medicine Representative:**

- Ben Gerber

- **WVU Foundation Representative:**

- William “Bill” Sheedy

- **WVU Alumni Association Representative:**

- Marilyn McClure-Demers

- **Divisional Campuses Representative:**

- T. Ramon Stuart

- **At-large Members:**

- W. Marston “Marty” Becker

- William D. Wilmoth

- Louise T. Veselicky, DDS

- **Ex-Officio Members:**

- Sarah Armstrong Tucker, PhD

- Taunja Willis-Miller

- Richard A. Pill

Dr. Harris expressed confidence in conducting a thoughtful and thorough process based on best practices.

The letter encouraged community members to participate in upcoming listening sessions and stay informed through various university communication channels and the Presidential Search website.

For any concerns or confidential candidate nominations, individuals can contact search consultants at WVUPresident@wittkieffer.com.