All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Alderson Broaddus names Barry as 10th president

Alderson Broaddus
AB president Dr. James “Tim” Barry

PHILIPPI — The AB Board of Trustees and Governors recently announced Dr. James “Tim” Barry would be named the official 10th president of Alderson Broaddus University.

Dr. Barry has served as interim president since December 2015, and in his three years of service has garnered the trust and support of all campus constituencies with a solid track record of leadership.

His impact is felt not just by faculty, staff, students, and alumni, but also by fellow college and university presidents and higher education organizations throughout the state.

“We were fortunate that Dr. Barry was in the pool of presidential candidates brought to us by The Registry in December 2015. He’s a perfect fit for AB at this point in time as we stabilize and position ourselves for continued success and future growth,” wrote Dr. Becky Hooman ’81, ’17 (honorary), chair of the Alderson Broaddus University Board of Trustees, in a message to the AB community.

Since Barry’s arrival, AB has undergone an innovative and creative planning process for the future of the University. Working alongside faculty, staff, and the AB Board of Trustees, Dr. Barry and his cabinet members drafted a strategic decision-making model to focus on three main areas to ensure AB’s excellence for the future: expanding academic programs, expanding enrollment, and increasing organizational efficiency.

“I’m honored and privileged to be the 10th president of Alderson Broaddus University,” said Dr. Barry. “These past three years serving as interim have been a wonderful experience for me, and I look forward to this time to continue to move the institution—along with the faculty, staff, and board of trustees—into greater success.”

Dr. Barry has extensive experience in higher education in various capacities, including serving as the former president of Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota. He has been affiliated with The Registry of College and University Presidents, serving as vice president of advancement at Elmira College in Elmira, New York.

“We appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with The Registry in extending Dr. Barry’s tenure at AB,” said Hooman. “He has conducted himself as a permanent president would from the day of his arrival, and we’re extremely grateful for his continued service.”

Currently, Dr. Barry serves on the following boards: Appalachian College Association, Barbour County Chamber of Commerce (vice president), Barbour County Economic Development Authority, Great Midwest Athletic Conference, Independent College Enterprise (president), and West Virginia Independent Colleges and Universities (president).

Dr. Barry is married to Ronda Barry, and together they have two children, Liz (Eric) Brewer and Matt (Kaci) Barry, who both reside with their families in the Kansas City area. The Barrys are also the proud grandparents of Jack, Molly, and Will Brewer.

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