The West Virginia University (WVU) Board of Governors (BOG) has begun the process of searching for a replacement for WVU President Gordon Gee. BOG Chair Taunja Willis-Miller announced that an ad hoc committee will assist in the search by providing guidance. The committee will explore search selection firms and help map out the board's task of finding a replacement for Gee within the next year or so.
Gee had previously stated his intention to step down as president once his current contract expires in June 2025. The BOG extended his contract to that date in July. Gee informed the WVU Faculty Senate in August that his plans beyond June 2025 involve returning to the WVU College of Law to resume teaching.
However, Gee faced criticism from the WVU Faculty Assembly during a September meeting, which resulted in a vote of no confidence regarding his handling of the university's academic transformation.
Despite the criticisms, Gee remained positive during the recent BOG meeting. He highlighted accomplishments such as the success of top-performing students and the potential breakthrough from the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in addressing opioid use disorder. An announcement was made regarding a first-in-human study of a smart pill that can detect early signs of an overdose.
In addition, WVU Vice Provost Paul Kreider provided updates about academic transformation reviews that will commence at WVU Potomac State College in Keyser and WVU Tech in Beckley early next year. The final recommendations from these reviews will be presented to the WVU Faculty Senate and the BOG for approval in the late spring.
Kreider also shared plans for the transformation of academic service units and the library, which will be announced in the coming weeks. A new plan for the annual academic review was introduced, aiming to link resource allocation with enrollment and financial trends.
Kreider reported positive statistics, including record levels of freshman retention and a 14% increase in the four-year graduation rate. Kreider credited these achievements to the university's efforts in supporting student success.
During the meeting, board members were informed about new majors in environmental engineering and esports. Additionally, WVU announced the launch of the only LPN-to-BSN program in the state, in collaboration with the School of Nursing at Potomac State.
The next WVU BOG meeting is scheduled for December 15.
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