Higher education recruitment firm Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB Search) has been enlisted to find the next president for West Virginia State University (WVSU). Anthony Jenkins, who held the job for four years, recently moved on to the president’s role at Coppin State University in Baltimore. R. Charles Byers, former provost at WVSU, is serving as interim president. AGB Search consultants Kim Bobby and Carlton E. Brown are leading the assignment.

The Washington, D.C. search firm was chosen from six firms seeking the assignment.

“The next president has an opportunity to lead WVSU to new levels of institutional achievement and distinction, in part by building on the legacy of the institution and the existing strengths and accomplishments,” said AGB Search.

A Critical Time

The ideal leader will bring both stable leadership and dynamic changes to the university at a critical time in its history, said AGB Search. WVSU wants a leader who will embrace and foster the rich heritage and identity of the university as a historically black college or university that has transformed to meet the needs of the community. The next president will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the university’s historical focus on the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, civic engagement and social justice.

The university community outlined several priorities for the school’s next president. They involve: enrollment, fundraising, financial health, developing a new leadership team, rebuilding student life and development, improving the efficacy of academic programs, addressing issues of diversity and inclusion, and community and engagement.

WVSU wants its next president to possess a number of key leadership attributes, including having the vision, capability and drive to inspire the university community to higher levels of eminence, said AGB Search. The leader should also demonstrate value for WVSU’s history and have the ability to embrace and advance the historical significance, mission and core values of the university as a historically black institution. Among other traits, the president must also be visible and approachable, participating in activities on campus and the local community with genuine engagement.

Key Requirements

Prospects should also have demonstrated success in senior-level leadership that includes management of a substantial and complex organization, along with a deep understanding of higher education. “The successful candidate will be an energetic innovator who can be a valuable resource in helping the university develop attractive new programs,” said the search firm. Read the full article in the Hunts Canlon Media.