MORGANTOWN – WVU’s Board of Governors voted on Monday to extend President Gordon Gee’s contract for another year, through June 30, 2025.
The vote came after the board met in executive session to review Gee’s evaluation.
Upon return to open session, BOG Chair Taunja Willis-Miller said they considered a variety of factors in their evaluation, “which is really an ongoing process that spans his tenure.”
They were guided by the metrics of the governing statute, she said, which includes student success, research, health and welfare and WVU’s role in the state’s economic development.
As WVU undergoes its academic transformation, she said, “We must continue to act boldly. And President Gee has shown time and time again that he’s not afraid to do the difficult work required.”
The BOG directed WVU administration to lead a strategic review of the entire system. “We believe that he deserves the time to see that through.” With the challenges WVU and higher education in general face, “We are fortunate to have a president with his tenure and experience to lead us.”
Not everyone will agree with the BOG’s assessment of Gee or its decision to extend the contract, she said. “Transformation is hard, change is hard, and some people are adversely affected by the decisions that we’ve made and will make, and it’s hard.” But the board has to focus on the larger vision and the future of the university. We don’t all have to agree but we have to move forward.”
The meeting was a hybrid in-person and virtual; and the vote was a voice vote, with most of the virtual board members voting at the same time. It appeared to be a unanimous vote.
Apart from the extended date, no changes were made to Gee’s contract. His annual salary remains $800,000.
Gee thanked the board. “We really do have a wonderful team of people that are working very diligently,” he said, “and I think we all share the same vision for our institution.” And he’s grateful for the opportunity to keep working on the transformation.
“This is a pivotal moment for the university,” he said. The changes facing higher education are not unique to WVU. They will face both acclamation and criticism, and it’s important to have a process that’s clear and visible. “I love this university and the people of this state. And I will continue to work hard to reposition West Virginia University to be the national model for the modern land-grant university.”
Email: dbeard@dominionpost.com
