West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson is forming his core leadership team, bringing together new hires and established professionals from within the university and beyond. The changes are part of an effort to foster collaboration across the WVU System by combining fresh perspectives with institutional experience.
“I am not alone in leading WVU,” Benson said. “Together, my team of trusted advisors will work collaboratively with the entire University community to support and educate our students, provide a quality working environment for our faculty and staff, engage our alumni and other supporters, and represent Mountaineers around the world.”
A national search is underway for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs, which Benson called “the most important hire he will make.” Faculty, staff, students, and other university community members have been invited to participate in listening sessions scheduled in Morgantown, Beckley, and Keyser through September 3. The new provost will oversee all academic policies, programs, facilities, and budgetary matters at the university.
Paul Kreider has served as interim provost since October of last year. “It’s been my honor to help lead the University during a key time of transition,” Kreider said. “I look forward to welcoming the new provost and offering my assistance to ensure the University’s academic programs continue to meet the needs of our students.”
Fabrizio D’Aloisio will assume the role of vice president for Enrollment Management on September 22 following a national search earlier this year. D’Aloisio previously worked at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville as associate vice provost for enrollment management and executive director of undergraduate admissions.
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Paula Congelio plans to retire later this year after more than ten years at WVU. She will step down from her CFO responsibilities on October 31 but remain as a special advisor through December 31. Congelio first joined WVU Health Sciences Center in 2012 as senior director of finance and reporting before moving up to associate vice president in 2014 and then becoming CFO in 2017.
“Paula has been critical to ensuring the long-term financial stability of WVU,” Benson said. “Her responsible, prudent budget management has positioned the University to move into its next era with fiscal certainty. She has been a dedicated and collaborative leader who cares deeply about WVU.”
A national search for her successor will begin this fall; Barbara Weiss will serve as interim vice president of Finance starting November 1 until a permanent replacement is named.
Gary G. Furbee II now leads Student Life operations as vice president after serving in several roles at WVU since 2008—including deputy general counsel and associate vice president of real estate operations—and overseeing University Apartments since 2020.
“I plan to draw on my own experiences and institutional knowledge to work each day, with the entire Student Life team, to elevate the student experience,” Furbee said. “I look forward to leading a very talented team and providing support, fostering growth, and celebrating the successes of our students along the way.”
Carrie Showalter joins Furbee as permanent dean of students and associate vice president after serving as assistant dean and executive director of Campus and Community Life.
Stephanie D. Taylor continues as university vice president and general counsel while also overseeing Talent and Culture, campus police services (WVU Police Department), compliance efforts, with Mario Barge reporting directly as chief human resources officer.
Wren Baker’s contract as vice president/director of Athletics has been extended through December 2032; under his tenure Mountaineer student-athletes have achieved strong athletic results alongside record academic achievements while fundraising reached its second-highest level during 2024.
Dr. Clay Marsh remains chancellor/executive dean for Health Sciences overseeing five schools—Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy & Public Health—supporting education/research/clinical care statewide.
Heather Richardson was confirmed earlier this year as permanent VP for Strategic Communications & Marketing after serving on an interim basis; she leads efforts aligning marketing strategy with presidential vision.
Kevin Berry continues leading alumni relations/engagement efforts while Ming Lei serves interim VP for Research alongside his existing roles within Health Sciences research administration.
Organizational changes mean Potomac State College President Jerry Wallace & Institute of Technology President T. Ramon Stuart now report directly to Benson rather than via provost—a move intended by Benson “to provide a direct connection with our regional campuses.”
Retired Maj. Gen James Hoyer’s role ends October 1; Vice Provost Mark Gavin takes over economic innovation teams while Hoyer remains involved on select initiatives.
Travis Mollohan continues strategic government relations/outreach efforts representing WVU interests across federal/state/local levels throughout West Virginia communities—efforts supporting partnerships aligned with land-grant mission.
Erin S. Newmeyer was appointed associate VP for executive initiatives July 15; she oversees daily operations/executive projects including contracts/trademark licensing & collaborates closely with senior leaders/Board/stakeholders system-wide per presidential vision.
Additional staff reporting directly or indirectly include Kelly Saunders Flanagan (University Events), Amy Garbrick (operations), Jennifer Fisher (integrity/compliance), Valerie Lopez (special assistant Board), Bonnie Anderson (executive support) & Robin Yorty (fundraising).
Benson stated he will maintain close partnership ties with Albert L Wright Jr., CEO/president WVU Health System & Cynthia L Roth CEO/president WVU Foundation.
