ATHENS, W.Va. — Concord University has a new president.
Concord’s Board of Governors announced Friday the unanimous selection of Dr. Bethany Meighen as the school’s 13th president.
Meighen will replace longtime Concord President Kendra Boggess, who is retiring.
Meighen has most recently served as Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs in the University of North Carolina System.
“Dr. Meighen’s strong background in higher education administration and her experience shaping policies related to admissions and student support services position her to strengthen and cultivate the strategically sound foundation President Kendra Boggess has built over her tenure,” BOG Chairman Dave Barnette said in a Friday news release. “The Board of Governors is grateful for the work the Presidential Search Committee has done over several months leading up to this decision, and we look forward to what the future brings.”
Meighen’s selection brings her back to West Virginia where she earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Charleston. She also worked at UC as Director of Alumni and Parent Relations, Director of Marketing and Alumni Relations and Dean of Student Life.
She earned her doctorate degree at UNC-Wilmington.
“Concord University is making a meaningful difference in the lives of its students, the surrounding communities, and beyond—a mission I’m eager to use all my energy and experience to support and advance,” Meighen said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the faculty, staff, students, and the entire campus community to build on the university’s strong foundation and help shape its future in the years to come.”
Meighen will begin at Concord on July 1. She’ll work with President Boggess during a one-month transition.
“Dr. Meighen is a collaborative, data-driven decision maker dedicated to making higher education more accessible and enhancing the student experience at Concord,” Boggess said. “I look forward to working with her and supporting her as Concord University’s 13th president.”
There were more than 60 candidates for the job.