West Liberty University’s Presidential Search Committee 2022 met Monday) on Zoom and in person, and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Thomas Cervone at 6:02 p.m. and, in addition to Cervone was attended by: Jack Adams, Michael Baker, Arlene Brantley, Keith Bell, Sydney Burkle, Richard Carter, Katie Cooper, John Dolan, Dan Joseph, Karen Kettler, Richard Lucas, David McKinley, Chris McPherson, Jason Metz and Stephanie Shaw. Members unable to attend include: Jamie Evick and Ryan Glanville.

Also attending were two invited guests: Jerome Gilbert and Richard Wueste, consultants from the AGB Search Firm, paid consultants selected by the Search Committee to lead the presidential search. 

The invited AGB Reps attended in order to discuss the official search timeline.

Pursuant to WV Code § 6-9A-4, at 6:04 p.m., a motion to retire to executive session was made by David McKinley and seconded by John Dolan; motion passed unanimously.

A motion to rise from executive session at 7:01 p.m. was made by David McKinley and seconded by Stephanie Shaw; by unanimous approval, the Board rose from executive session.

There were no actions emanating from Executive Session, however the AGB consultants proposed the following search timeline, which was approved by the Search Committee: 

  • January 10 and 11, 2023 – AGB representatives host on-campus listening sessions for campus and community constituents (detailed schedule will follow).
  • Week of February 6 – the formal search will launch.
  • Week of March 17 – Application deadline.

On motion by David McKinley and seconded by Dan Joseph the meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.    

AGB Search offers executive search, interim search, and compensation evaluation services exclusively for higher education institutions. Founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010, it is headquartered in Washington, D.C.  

West Liberty University is seeking its 38th President after the Board of Governors declined to renew current President W. Franklin Evans contract which expires on Dec. 31, 2022. (See Board of Governors Reject Contract Extension for President). 

The Presidential Search Committee will not meet again until 2023 and that date has not been announced.

The next regular meeting of the full Board of Governors is Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022.

Please visit westliberty.edu/bog for complete information on BOG agendas, actions, policies etc.