SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — BridgeValley Community and Technical College President Dr. Jo Harris announced her retirement Friday effective this July.
Harris has led the college for 12 years. She announced her retirement to the college’s Board of Governors during its regularly scheduled meeting.“BridgeValley would not be the success it is today without Dr. Harris’ leadership,” said BOG Chair David Lewia. “President Harris has undoubtedly laid the foundation for a bright future for the college.”
“Dr. Harris has been a transformational leader when it comes to the relationship between industry and higher education in West Virginia,” said Dr. Sarah Tucker, Chancellor of the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia. “The success of BridgeValley’s partnership with Toyota Motor Manufacturing to deliver the Advanced Manufacturing program has not only created a statewide model for how education and industry can work together to support economic development, but also made it possible for students to complete their college degree without student loans and obtain high-paying careers at home.”
The BridgeValley BOG will form a committee to conduct a comprehensive search for Harris’ successor in the coming weeks. The committee will include representation from the BOG, faculty, staff, students and industry partners.