The University of Charleston has named a leader for the new Russell and Martha Wehrle Innovation Center.
Fonda L. Holehouse will start next month as the private school's chief innovation officer, according to a news release from the university that said she'll direct the center's operations and lead "UC Innovation Scholars in their entrepreneurial studies."
UC said she'll direct the development of the $15.5 million new center, which UC spokeswoman Carrie Stollings said will open in October after the planned Oct. 7-8 dedication.
Holehouse currently is director of the WVU LaunchLab in that school's Office of Innovation. She worked as a practicing attorney for more than a decade, became an instructor and won a 2013 WVU Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award. She's recently taught technology entrepreneurship and enterprise development to WVU engineering students.
"She brings to her leadership role an exemplary record of helping students win competitions for transforming creative ideas into successful actions and products," UC President Edwin Welch said in the release. "Her statewide connections will help UC foster partnerships to instill innovation in businesses, industries, nonprofits, and state government."
"I believe wholeheartedly as a lifelong West Virginia resident, that, when imbedded in every institution of learning in this great state, a culture of innovation will be our saving grace," Holehouse said in the release.
UC declined to state what she'll be paid.