MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — New West Virginia University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Beverly Wendland, officially starts her new job on Wednesday but recently addressed the WVU Faculty Senate.
Wendland comes from Washington University in St. Louis where she served as senior advisor to the chancellor. She also served for five years as provost and executive vice chancellor and is an accomplished scholar and academic leader.
She told the WVU Faculty Senate she is a proactive leader who seeks to address challenges through collaboration and teamwork.
“I believe strongly in getting out in front of challenges and opportunities rather than simply reacting to them,” Wendland said. “At the same time, I’m highly process-oriented and collaborative in my leadership style.”
One of her first moves in Morgantown was to bring Mark Paris in to be the dean of the WVU Libraries. Wendland said the library is where all things begin for students, faculty and staff at all levels.
“Libraries are where that research support really needs to start,” Wendland said. “That’s where the sources of information are you need to consult to support your work, grant preparations, and that sort of thing.”
She said her operational priority is to work toward earning an invitation into the American Association of Universities (AAU). The designation was identified as a top priority for WVU President Michael Benson, who said it will require a top-to-bottom evaluation of the university, culture, and performance that will challenge them to improve their performance. The process could take up to 10 years.
“What it really is about to me is strengthening what we already have and supporting our faculty doing their best work,” Wendland said. “That will ultimately position us to be attractive for AAU membership.”
Wendland said her immediate priority is to fill two key staff positions.
“The search for the next dean of the College of Law has relaunched, remaining under the guidance of Chambers College Dean Josh Hall, and I’m currently chairing the search for the university’s next vice president of research,” Wendland said.
She told the group in the future she’ll be looking for ways to forge new relations among the faculty. New collaborations will provide the spark for innovation to drive the university into the future.
“I could not be more excited about what lies ahead, and I’m so grateful to be serving alongside all of you as we continue a strong future for West Virginia University,” Wendland said.