WVU presidential search officially begins Friday – WV MetroNews

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The search for the next president of West Virginia University will officially begin Friday with the release of the leadership profile completed after hours of listening sessions with the campus community.

On MetroNews “Talkline,” Patrice Harris, co-chair of the WVU Board of Governors (BOG) and chair of the ad hoc committee guiding the search, said the 25-page document lays out the attributes of the university and community. The document details the R-1 status of the university, athletics, student life, and community life, but also highlights the challenges the next leader would accept.

“Clearly, when the next person comes into this role, we would want them to understand not only the best of what West Virginia University has to offer but also the challenges,” Harris said.

Friday, October 11, the firm hired to conduct the search, WittKieffer, will officially release the profile and accept nominations and resumes. Harris said they will focus on verifiable experience and how that can help advance the university.

“We will be looking for someone who appreciates and understands the university’s commitment to our land grant mission and what that means to the state,” Harris said. “The vital role that WVU plays in our state as well.”

Names of the finalists will not be released as part of the process in order to protect those who apply and to prevent disruptions during the interview process.

“We know that maintaining confidentiality is an expectation of candidates in today’s market,” Harris said. “This is a “best practice” confirmed by WittKiefer, and we know that publicly naming finalists can deter a top candidate.”

The BOG and ad hoc search committee will review resumes, conduct initial interviews, and reduce the field to the top three to five candidates. The same group will conduct in-person interviews with the finalists, and the next president of WVU will be announced in the spring of 2025.

“The WVU Board of Governors and the Ad Hoc Search Committee will interview the finalists, and our search committee is comprised of an expansive representation across the university community.”

President Gordon Gee will retire in June of 2025.