West Liberty University’s Board of Governors met today in a 3 p.m. special meeting held in Shaw Hall and on Zoom.
After calling the meeting to order and pursuant to West Virginia Code section 6-9A-4, Chairman Rich Lucas requested a motion to retire to executive session. The motion was made and passed unanimously.
The only item on the agenda was a human resources matter. The board returned from the executive session at approximately 4:45 p.m. No action was taken during the executive session.
A motion was made and seconded to publicly censure President W. Franklin Evans, and the motion passed, 10 – 0. Two of the board members, Michael Baker and Arlene Brantley, were unable to attend the meeting.
“According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of censure is an ‘official strong criticism and severe disapproval.’ This public censure will be placed into the permanent record of the minutes of the Board of Governors meeting,” said Chairman Lucas.
“The Board has consulted with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC). Its guidance and experience have been invaluable. The decision to censure President Evans rests solely with the West Liberty University Board of Governors.”
“The BOG listened to students, alumni, faculty senate, staff, WLU Foundation, administration and other stakeholders. The BOG now believes it is time for West Liberty University to move forward and face the many challenges that all universities across the country are dealing with.”
Members of the board include: Jack Adams (vice chairman), McMurray, Pa.; Michael J. Baker, Wheeling; Arlene Brantley, Atlanta, Ga.; Richard Carter, Wheeling; Thomas Cervone, Knoxville, Tenn.; Dr. Jamie Evick (secretary), Glen Dale, W.Va.; Ryan Glanville (WLU staff member), Wheeling; MacKenzi Jones, (student government president), Weirton, W.Va.; David H. McKinley, Wheeling; Jason Metz (faculty member), Pittsburgh; and Stephanie Shaw, Columbus, Ohio.
The West Liberty University Board of Governors, created by the West Virginia Legislature as its governing body, consists of nine members appointed by the Governor of West Virginia and three elected representatives by students, faculty, and staff.
For more information visit westliberty.edu/bog. To read the entire Board Resolution, please see below:
