Drawing on expertise from both inside and outside of West Virginia University, President Michael T. Benson is shaping his core leadership team to work together across the WVU System by incorporating fresh ideas with institutional knowledge.
“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.”
Calling it “the most important hire he will make,” Benson has invited faculty, staff, students and University community members to be part of the national search for a provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Listening sessions with different groups are scheduled in Morgantown, Beckley and Keyser through Sept. 3 for the person who will serve as the University’s chief academic officer responsible for the administration of all academic policies, programs, facilities and budgetary matters.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider has served in the role since last October.
“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.”
Following a national search earlier this year, Fabrizio D’Aloisio will officially take over as vice president for Enrollment Management on Sept. 22, with the directive from President Benson to “recruit, educate, and graduate students.”
D’Aloisio has most recently served as associate vice provost for enrollment management and executive director of undergraduate admissions at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville — a public, land-grant, R1 institution with nearly 39,000 students.
After more than a decade of loyal, trusted service to the University, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Paula Congelio has chosen to retire later this year. Congelio will step down from her CFO responsibilities effective Oct. 31, and will transition to a special advisor to the Finance team role through Dec. 31.
First hired as senior director of finance and reporting for the WVU Health Sciences Center in 2012, Congelio was promoted to associate vice president of finance at HSC in 2014 before advancing to her current role in 2017, which oversees Finance, budgeting, reporting and Shared Services for the entire University.
“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 Congelio’s replacement will begin this fall. Barbara Weiss, senior associate vice president of Finance will serve as interim vice president of Finance effective Nov. 1 until a new CFO is hired.
Now overseeing the Division of Student Life and its operations as vice president is Gary G. Furbee, II, a lawyer and higher education administrator who has worked at WVU since 2008 in many roles, including his most recent — deputy general counsel and associate vice president of real estate operations for the Office of General Counsel. Since 2020, his areas of responsibility have included University Apartments.
“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 has joined Furbee in Student Life leadership as the permanent dean of students and associate vice president. Showalter most recently served as assistant dean and executive director of Campus and Community Life.
Stephanie D. Taylor will continue to serve as University vice president and general counsel, providing legal guidance to the president, University administrators, faculty, and staff, and the Board of Governors. In addition to her legal duties, Taylor oversees Talent and Culture, the WVU Police Department and the University’s compliance efforts.
Also reporting to Taylor is Mario Barge, chief human resources officer and vice president for Talent and Culture, who will lead President Benson’s charge to place increased emphasis on strengthening Talent and Culture’s role in University operations.
A contract for Wren Baker, vice president and director of Athletics, has been extended through Dec. 31, 2032. Athletics success and record academic achievement by Mountaineer student-athletes have highlighted Baker’s tenure, while the department also turned in its second-best fundraising numbers on record during the 2024 athletic year.
Dr. Clay Marsh, chancellor and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences, maintains his critical role overseeing the University’s five health sciences schools — School of Dentistry, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy — and advancing health care education, research and clinical care across the state.
Earlier this year under the direction of President Benson, Heather Richardson became the permanent vice president of Strategic Communications and Marketing after previously serving in an interim role. She leads a team of marketers, storytellers, brand strategists, creators and public affairs specialists to elevate the University’s brand and reputation in alignment with the president’s vision.
Also reporting directly to President Benson is Kevin Berry, who will continue to rally lifelong Mountaineers as vice president of alumni relations and CEO of the WVU Alumni Association.
Ming Lei is currently serving as interim vice president of WVU Research while holding roles as senior associate vice president in the Health Sciences Office of Research and Graduate Education and vice dean of research in the School of Medicine.
With a change to the organizational structure, WVU Potomac State College President Jerry Wallace and WVU Institute of Technology President T. Ramon Stuart are now reporting directly to President Benson. Previously, the two reported to the provost.
“It’s important to me to provide a direct connection with our regional campuses to ensure leaders across the entire WVU System are working together,” Benson said.
Retired Maj. Gen. James Hoyer’s role as vice president for economic innovation will end Oct. 1, allowing him to support the transition of his teams to Vice Provost Mark Gavin. Hoyer will continue to support specific economic innovation initiatives in a limited role.
In his role as associate vice president for Government Relations and Collaboration, Travis Mollohan leads the University’s strategic engagement and outreach initiatives. He and his team represent WVU from the State Capitol to Capitol Hill and City Hall, and serve as the front line in advancing the University’s interests and key priorities with federal, state and local elected officials and policymakers across the Mountain State. Their efforts strengthen the University’s relationships with communities and corporate partners throughout West Virginia in alignment with its land-grant mission.
A senior advisor to President Benson, Erin S. Newmeyer was appointed associate vice president for executive initiatives as of July 15. Newmeyer oversees daily operations of the Office of the President and key executive initiatives including revenue-generating contracts and Trademark and Licensing. Newmeyer will also be collaborating with senior leaders, the Board of Governors and stakeholders across the WVU System to advance University priorities in alignment with Benson’s vision.
President’s Office staff reporting to Newmeyer include Kelly Saunders Flanagan, director of University Events, Amy Garbrick, director of operations for the President’s Office, Jennifer Fisher, executive officer for University integrity and compliance, and Valerie Lopez, special assistant to the Board of Governors.
Reporting directly to President Benson are Bonnie Anderson, who serves as special assistant and provides high-level executive support, and Robin Yorty, special assistant to the president on fundraising initiatives.
Benson will continue the University’s close partnership with WVU Health System and President and CEO Albert L. Wright, Jr., and WVU Foundation with President and CEO Cynthia L. Roth.
Benson officially became the University’s 27th president on July 15.
