BECKLEY, W.Va. – Gordon Gee will remain president of West Virginia University through 2024 under a contract extension approved Friday by the Board of Governors.

“Gordon is one of, if not the top, university leader in the country, and we are fortunate that he has agreed to remain at West Virginia University for an additional three years,” said Board Chair William Wilmoth, who also headed a state-mandated evaluation process launched in April.

Noting that there are several changes in current top academic leadership positions, including a new provost, Wilmoth said Gee’s continued leadership is also needed through the transitions.

Maryanne Reed, was appointed provost and vice president of academic affairs in April. She will take office on July 1, succeeding Joyce McConnell, who was appointed president of Colorado State University. Diana Martinelli was named dean of the Reed College of Media, replacing Reed. Other positions with interims include the College of Physical Activity and Sports Science; College of Education and Human Services; Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design; Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources; the Honors College; and the Humanities Center.

Gee currently is under a five-year contract that would have expired in 2021 but had indicated he was open to remaining longer.

The extension approved Friday adds another three years to the contract, at no increase in his base salary of $800,000 annually.

“I am grateful to the Board for this vote of confidence,” Gee said. “This is an important time in the history of West Virginia University. We have made great strides, but I believe there is so much more we can accomplish. I look forward to the work ahead.”

The Board agreed to the extension Friday, giving Wilmoth authority to negotiate the final details, which will become effective July 1.