West Liberty University

Dr. Tim Borchers assumed the presidency of West Liberty University on July 1, 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a commitment to student success, community engagement, and experiential learning. Prior to his tenure at West Liberty, Dr. Borchers distinguished himself as a transformative leader in higher education, serving in key administrative and faculty roles at public regional institutions.

During his time as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Peru State College in Nebraska and as Dean and Faculty at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), Dr. Borchers demonstrated a dedication to personalized student support and experiential learning. Inspired by his own undergraduate experience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he benefited from close mentorship and guidance, Dr. Borchers has made it his mission to ensure that every student receives the same level of personalized support and mentorship that he once received.

Recognizing the importance of improving student success outcomes, Dr. Borchers championed initiatives such as the Peru Academic Liaison (PAL) program at Peru State College, offering tailored support to new students, and expanded career development opportunities. He has also been a leader in assessment of student learning and accreditation processes for institutions he has served.

His commitment to experiential learning is exemplified by his initiation of the Research and Creativity Expo at Peru State College, providing students with a platform to showcase their scholarly and creative endeavors. As a faculty member at MSUM, he actively engaged in mentoring student research and served as a speech coach, nurturing the talents and aspirations of future leaders and professionals.

Recognizing the pivotal role of community outreach in higher education, Dr. Borchers has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between academic institutions and their surrounding communities. Under his leadership, innovative partnerships were created, such as the Corrections Leadership Program, which earned acclaim from the Nebraska Department of Corrections Services. As Dean, he pursued collaborative partnerships with organizations such as Forum Communications and the James Sewell Ballet, which created invaluable applied learning experiences for students.

In his role as President of West Liberty University, Dr. Borchers has wasted no time in implementing strategic initiatives to propel the institution forward. From leading comprehensive strategic planning efforts to enhancing the university’s marketing endeavors, he has advanced the university’s mission while fostering a culture of transparency and communication within the campus community.

Beyond his leadership within academia, Dr. Borchers is engaged in the broader community, serving on the governing boards of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Economic Development (RED) Partnership, and Wheeling Hospital. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Mountain East Conference.

He is the author of the book Persuasion in the Media Age, which is in its fourth edition and co-author of Rhetorical Theory: An Introduction, now in its second edition. 

Borchers holds a Ph.D. in Communication from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. He also holds a Master’s degree in Communication from Wayne State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

Dr. Borchers resides on the West Liberty campus with his spouse, Dr. Susanne Williams, in the historic President’s residence, Colonial Heights. They enjoy welcoming students, employees, alumni, and retirees into their home. They have one adult son, Oliver. Together, Dr. Borchers and Dr. Williams look forward to immersing themselves in the “wild and wonderful” landscapes of West Virginia, while continuing to promote West Liberty University as a beacon of academic excellence and community engagement.