BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — It’s down to three finalists vying for the role as the new president of Bluefield State University, and one who will take on a new era for the historically black institution.
After an extensive national search which began earlier this year, the university’s search committee, with oversight from the Board of Governors, has selected Dr. Vernell Bennett, former president of LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee; Dr. Atif Qarni, former Virginia Secretary of Education; and Dr. Darrin Martin, current Interim President at BSU as the three finalists for the position.
This comes after careful review of numerous applications identifying candidates who hold the leadership skills the committee was specifically looking for, as well as the vision and commitment to advance Bluefield State’s mission.
On-campus interviews for the three finalists will be conducted on Bluefield State’s main campus, Tuesday, November 12th through Thursday, Nov. 14th.
Each of the finalists will have the opportunity to engage with faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, students and community members who will then provide comprehensive feedback of the candidate. The candidates have already been subject of initial reviews and involved in virtual interviews since the selection process began in August.
Robin Capehart had formerly served as BSU President from 2019 to when he resigned on Nov. 2, 2023.
Within that time, Bluefield State College, as what it was formerly known, made the transition to university status.
It became Bluefield State University in May of 2022. The year prior in 2021, the Higher Education Policy Commission permitted the institution to offer a masters degree program.
The newly-selected candidate will be tasked with continuing the university’s growth-trajectory and its mission in fostering academic excellence and community engagement.