BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — Bluefield State University has three new members on its Board of Governors.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Wednesday that Phil Hancock, Robert Linkous, and Jeffrey Forlines have been appointed to the board. Hancock and Linkous replace Shannon Remines and former State Senator Bill Cole, respectively, whose terms expired. Forlines was tabbed to fill a vacant seat on the board.
Board Chairman Charlie Cole welcomed the new members in a release.
“On behalf of Bluefield State University, I want to thank Bill Cole and Shannon Remines for their years of service and their dedication to our students and this institution,” Cole said. “Board service requires a significant commitment of time, energy and judgment, and we appreciate their contributions. We welcome Phil Hancock, Robert Linkous and Jeffrey Forlines and look forward to working with them to strengthen Bluefield State and expand opportunities for the students and communities we serve.”
It’s a time of change at the school. The board opted to fire President Dr. Darrin Martin in August, citing concerns that the university was behind on paying its finances, reportedly hearing conflicting numbers from Martin, and even potential NCAA violations. BOG Vice-Chairwoman Cathy Deeb is serving as unpaid, acting president. The board met last week and has been interviewing candidates for the interim president role.
A graduate from Northeastern, WVU, and West Virginia Wesleyan College, Hancock has served as a legislative assistant to former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin. He also has experience within Amtrak in government affairs and corporate governance positions. He currently serves as Norfolk Southern Corp.’s federal government relations director.
Linkous is a two-time graduate from Bluefield State and has put together a nearly 35-year career at Merck. He has worked with the nonprofit Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corp. (BARC), serving as president for seven years.
Forlines is also a Bluefield State alumnus and returns to the Board of Governors for a second stint. He previously held the vice chair position on the board. Forlines retired recently after a 50-year banking career, most recently serving as senior vice president at First Bank & Trust Co. in Abington, Va.