WVU Board of Governors chairman praises Clements, looks to future

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University’s Board of Governors began the process of finding a new school president after Monday’s announcement that Jim Clements was hired at Clemson.

James W. Dailey II, chairman of the Board of Governors, issued the following statement Monday:

“Since the hiring of Jim Clements in 2009, West Virginia University has experienced unprecedented success in many areas – private giving, enrollment, academics, research funding, health care, community service, economic development and so much more. Of course he will say it is because he has had a great team, but it’s more than that.

“Jim is a natural born leader – someone who understands the higher education climate. He is committed to excellence. He stands for integrity and is a champion for this University and its diverse audiences – from students and their parents, to faculty and staff, to donors and funders, to city, state and federal lawmakers, to opinion leaders, to our state’s citizens and others.

“The bottom line: He understands how a public land-grant University changes lives — and he has brought people together to make that mission a very powerful one on our campus.

“I want to personally thank him for his leadership and vision, as well as his friendship. And on behalf of the WVU Board of Governors and a grateful University, we wish Jim and Beth – and the entire Clements family – all the best as they transition to a new home at Clemson University.

“The Clemson Tigers are getting a national-caliber leader who, we know, will always carry the Mountaineer spirit in is heart.

“In the coming days and weeks we will announce a plan for interim leadership, and then a permanent plan moving forward.”