The West Virginia University Board of Governors recently held a special meeting related to the next phase of the presidential search process.

The Board endorsed the WVU Presidential Leadership Profile, developed to attract top candidates to this opportunity and shape expectations for the role of the new president. The profile was crafted in partnership with the University’s search partner, WittKieffer, and is based on feedback gathered from various constituencies and stakeholders during the 34 listening sessions held throughout the summer and nearly 1,200 survey responses.

Board of Governors Chair Rick Pill emphasized that the Leadership Profile tells WVU’s dynamic story and reflects on the University’s history, values and aspirations for the next president.

“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 said.

WittKieffer will release the Presidential Leadership Profile and formally open the application process on October 11. The firm will then begin identifying and recruiting candidates who best match the Leadership Profile. The Profile will also be available to view on the WVU Presidential Search website on October 11.

Based on research conducted regarding presidential searches at peer institutions and recommendations from WittKieffer, the Board also endorsed the following presidential search finalist process:

• The Search Committee will review applications, conduct preliminary interviews and ultimately recommend a slate of 3 to 5 finalists to the Board.
• The Board and the Search Committee will conduct in-person interviews with the finalists.
• In accordance with its statutory obligations, the Board will deliberate and select the next president of West Virginia University.
• The Board will announce the new University president in the Spring of 2025.

“The Board remains committed to a high-quality search process that also allows us to attract and recruit the very best candidates — the shared goal of both the University and our extensive Mountaineer family,” Pill said. “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, especially those currently in high-level positions at other institutions.”

For those who would like to engage in the University’s shared commitment to finding WVU’s next inspirational leader, learn more about this process or ask questions, please join BOG Vice-Chair and Presidential Search Committee Chair Dr. Patrice Harris and faculty members of the Presidential Search Committee for a meet and greet on October 10 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Erickson Alumni Center in the Barnette Board Room.

The University will continue to provide updates as the search progresses. For more information, follow WVUToday, MOUNTAINEER E-News, Unews and the Alumni Newsletter for updates. In addition, visit the Presidential Search website, presidentialsearch.wvu.edu, to find the timeline, updates and additional information.

View the Oct. 9 BOG regular meeting agenda and meeting materials.

The next regular BOG meeting is scheduled for November 22.