Author: user
Company: West Virginia State College

University President's Report
WVSU Faculty Senate
May 2, 2008

Due to my participation in the WVSU National Alumni Association's Biennial Conference in Detroit, Michigan, on May 1-3, I am submitting this written report to the Faculty Senate.  I would like to note that Dr. Greg Epps is also attending the conference.

The Search Committee for the Position of Vice President for Academic Affairs completed its work and recommended three finalists to me in unranked order.  I interviewed the finalists this month.  I would like to thank the committee for a job well done.  

I have offered the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs to Dr. R. Charles Byers and I am pleased to announce that he has accepted the offer.  In the coming weeks, Dr. Byers will be transitioning completely from the Planning and Advancement area to Academic Affairs.  Dr. Byers holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the then West Virginia State College, now University; a Master of Fine Arts Degree with an emphasis in Education and Art Education from The Ohio State University; and the Doctor of Philosophy Degree with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University.  

Since 1972, he has been an associate professor in the Department of Education and he is currently a tenured professor.  From 1989 to 1997, he was Assistant Vice President for Planning and Advancement and Director of Communication Services.  From 1997 to present he has been Vice President for Planning and Advancement, and from 2006 to present, he has also been Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs.  

I am studying the way that we are currently organized.  Our organizational chart needs to be updated.  The way that we are administratively organized possibly should be changed.  I am considering adding the title of Provost to the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs.  As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Byers will continue to perform the duties of Vice President for Academic Affairs by providing guidance to and supervision of the academic colleges and departments and the academic support areas.  The duties of Provost will include the guidance and management of the WVSU Research and Development Corporation and Title III programs and the aggressive development of new undergraduate and graduate programs and supporting my office's work with the West Virginia Legislature.  We will maintain a planning division.  I plan to submit recommendations to the Board of Governors regarding the University's administrative organizational structure during our June meeting.

Mrs. Carter and I will host the Annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, May 9, 2008.  The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the James C. Wilson Student Union.  All faculty and staff are invited to attend.  We look forward to seeing you.