ALUMNI “WALL OF HONOR” The West Liberty University Alumni Board of Directors instituted a project in 1990 to demonstrate to current students, visitors, and friends that the college has some very successful graduates. This project, known as the “Alumni Wall of Honor,” is a dramatic way to honor some of the college’s most distinguished alumni and display pride in the accomplishments of its graduates. The concept was suggested by then Associate Professor of Physics Robert W. Schramm, who is a 1958 graduate of the college and a 2002 Alumni Wall of Honor inductee. The Alumni Wall of Honor is housed in the south end of the Union known as the Alumni Lounge.
Andy McKenzie
Inducted 2016Andy McKenzie is a Wheeling native and former mayor of the Friendly City. At the age of 13, he often worked in his famous grandfather’s business, the Doc Williams Country Store and attended Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce meetings.
After graduating from West Liberty in 1998, McKenzie received his MBA from West Virginia University. He ran for public office and in November 1996 he became the youngest state senator in the history of West Virginia. From 1996-2008 he served as a West Virginia state senator.
In July of 2008 he was elected as mayor and is one of the youngest mayors in Wheeling history. He was re-elected for a second term in 2012. While in office he led City Council in enacting legislation that positively impacted, not only Wheeling but the entire state of West Virginia.
In addition to serving as mayor and a state senator, McKenzie has been a financial advisor for over 20 years for one of the largest financial firms in the country.
Recently, he was the keynote speaker for WLU’s December 2012 Commencement, which resulted in his honorary doctoral degree. He remains a loyal Hilltopper and, along with previous Wall of Honor recipients, he contributes his successes to his studies at West Liberty State College.
McKenzie is married to Carrie Ann Martin McKenzie ‘92 and they have four children: Austin, Levi, Quinn and Victoria Ann (deceased). He is the son of Ronald and Karen McKenzie and the grandson of country music legends Doc and Chickie Williams.