CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Higher Education Policy Commission approved a six-month contract extension for interim state Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker in a meeting held in Charleston Friday.
Tucker, who also serves as the chancellor of the state’s Community and Technical College system, was hired as interim chancellor of the state’s four-year colleges and universities a year ago. Her contract was extended in November and again Friday.
The policy commission also Friday approved a search process for the permanent chancellor. State law requires a national search take place.
Tucker told MetroNews Friday she plans on applying for the position.
The process passed by the HEPC Friday sets a timeline for choosing a permanent chancellor. Applicants will be taken in May and finalists interviewed in June. The permanent chancellor will be chosen at a meeting set for June 26.
Tucker would appear to have the inside track for the position. The legislature passed a bill earlier this year, HB 4022, which allows for one person to serve as chancellor for both higher education systems in West Virginia.
HEPC Chairman Mike Farrell had high praise for Tucker when she was chosen for the interim role last year.
“Chancellor Tucker is uniquely qualified and well positioned to serve in this role,” Farrell said. “She is a proven leader with strong relationships already built with staff and the stakeholders in higher education as she currently works with the majority of them day in and day out.”