The West Virginia State University Board of Governors will seek the help of an executive search firm to find a replacement for President Brian Hemphill, who is leaving the college to head Radford University in Virginia.
Board members voted Monday during an emergency meeting to solicit a bid, which is usually open for 30 days. They also created a presidential search committee, which will consist of board members as well as students, faculty, staff, alumni association and West Virginia State Foundation representatives.
The search for a new president begins days after Hemphill's unexpected announcement last week that he'll resign at the end of the spring semester to become president of Radford. Hemphill told board members, school officials and students about his decision Wednesday in a letter, in which he said he would remain committed to university goals.
Hemphill did not attend Monday's meeting, but board members thanked him for his service and wished him well in his new position. He will remain at West Virginia State until he leaves for Radford in July.
"We're thrilled with how he has moved our university," said board chairwoman Ann Brothers Smith. "And we're pleased to know he is sought after around this country."
On Friday, Hemphill told the Gazette-Mail he did not apply for the presidency at Radford. Instead, he was nominated by a colleague in the higher education community, though Hemphill said he doesn't know who put his name forward.
While Hemphill said leaving West Virginia is one of the most difficult decisions he's had to make, he said Radford offers opportunities he can't turn down.
Board members, including alumni association and faculty representatives, said Hemphill directed the university in the direction the board wanted to go and accomplished goals while establishing a launching point from which a new president can start.
Hemphill has been West Virginia State's president since July 2012. Since taking office, he has overseen enrollment growth, expansion of academic programs and construction of several buildings on campus. He also helped improve retention and graduation rates and significantly increased fundraising efforts.
"Dr. Hemphill set the bar very high," said Gail Pitchford, who will co-chair the presidential search committee.
"He has shown us what a true leader can do to move West Virginia State University forward," she went on to say, adding that she hopes to find a dynamic leader to succeed Hemphill.
No timetable for finding a replacement was given Monday.
In October, Hemphill went through an annual performance evaluation in which the board said he was an exemplary leader.
Hemphill is in the second year of a five-year contract that pays him about $287,000.
During a Monday executive session, board members also reviewed presidential search policies and procedures. According to board policy, a president may break the contract any time as long as he or she gives 60 days notice before the effective resignation date.
Reach Samuel Speciale at
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