West Virginia State University President Brian Hemphill has been named president of Radford University.
The university, which is based in Radford, Virginia, announced Hemphill's appointment Wednesday morning in a news release. Hemphill will succeed Penelope Kyle, who is retiring after 11 years as Radford's president.
Hemphill will join the college in July. He'll be introduced at a university event in January.
Hemphill sent a letter Wednesday to WVSU officials, students and faculty, notifying them of his impending departure. In the letter, Hemphill said he will be forever grateful to the West Virginia State community and that he will help school leaders develop a transition plan.
"I remain fully dedicated to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends that make this university so very special," he said in the letter. "Furthermore, I pledge to work diligently over the next six months to continue our forward momentum as a State family."
Radford Board of Visitors members, who made the selection after an eight-month presidential search, said they were impressed with Hemphill's leadership and vision.
"With a diverse background at a variety of universities across the nation, Dr. Hemphill has the energy and experience to build upon Radford University's successes, to lead our campus community to exciting future possibilities and to continue Radford's tradition of education that is, first and foremost, student-focused," said Anthony Bedell, rector of Radford's board.
Hemphill joins Radford after three years at West Virginia State, where he has been president since July 2012.
In a release, Hemphill said he is honored to be named Radford's next leader.
"Without question, Radford University is a world-class institution with an inspiring history and important mission, and I look with great anticipation and excitement to serve as a driving force in its exciting and impactful future," he said.
Hemphill, his wife, Marisela, and their four children will relocate this summer.
Since becoming West Virginia State's president, Hemphill has overseen enrollment growth, expansion of academic programs and construction of several buildings on campus. He also helped improved retention and graduation rates.
Hemphill also increased fundraising. Once he joined State, Hemphill started a five-year $18 million capital campaign. With one year left, the university already has secured $17 million.
Hemphill has been an administrator at colleges across the country. Before becoming West Virginia State's president, he was vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at Northern Illinois University. Before that, he worked at the University of Arkansas, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Cornell College and Iowa State University.
Hemphill is West Virginia State's 10th president. He is in the second year of a five-year contract that pays him a state-funded salary of $287,310.
Radford University is a mid-size public college. It has more than 9,700 students.
Reach Samuel Speciale at sam.speciale@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-7939 or follow @samueljspeciale on Twitter.