NC West Virginia News

The West Virginia University Board of Governors convened on October 9 to discuss the next steps in the search for a new university president. During this special meeting, the Board approved the WVU Presidential Leadership Profile, designed to attract top candidates and set expectations for the role. This profile was developed with input from various stakeholders and crafted in collaboration with WittKieffer, the University's search partner.

Rick Pill, Chair of the Board of Governors, highlighted that the Leadership Profile encapsulates WVU's history, values, and aspirations. "On behalf of the Board, we greatly appreciate the engagement and insights from faculty, staff, students, alumni and citizens thus far in the process," Pill stated.

WittKieffer will release the Presidential Leadership Profile on October 11 and open applications for potential candidates. The firm will identify and recruit individuals who align with this profile. The document will be accessible on the WVU Presidential Search website starting October 11.

Following research into presidential searches at similar institutions and advice from WittKieffer, a process for selecting finalists has been endorsed by the Board:

- The Search Committee will review applications and conduct preliminary interviews before recommending three to five finalists.

- Both the Board and Search Committee will hold in-person interviews with these finalists.

- The Board will then deliberate to select WVU's next president.

- An announcement is expected in Spring 2025.

Pill expressed commitment to a thorough search process aimed at attracting top-tier candidates while acknowledging concerns about publicizing finalist names. "While we recognize that some may desire a public announcement of finalists and open campus visits, we also trust that our community can appreciate how publicly naming finalists may discourage top candidates from applying," he said.

A meet-and-greet event is scheduled for October 10 at Erickson Alumni Center for those interested in learning more about or participating in this process. Updates on the search will be provided through various channels including WVUToday and other university newsletters.