WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Sept. 8, 2015 — West Liberty University’s Presidential Search Committee and the Board of Governors today announced the names of the four finalists for the position of 35th president of West Liberty University.
“We are pleased to reveal the names of four excellent leaders, selected after months of vetting and interviews. We now begin the final interview process that will include campus visits. We look forward to introducing both the candidates and the West Liberty University campus community to each other,” said Search Committee Chairman Les DeFelice.
The four candidates include two women (one is a current employee) and two men who will visit campus over the next few weeks.
Dr. Stephen Greiner resides in Hazard, Ky. and is the president and CEO of Hazard Community and Technical College, a comprehensive multiple campus public degree granting institution serving approximately 4,000 students in seven counties in eastern Kentucky. Prior to that, Greiner served as president at Brunswick Community College (three locations in N.C.), from 2005 – 2010 and before that he was president of Virginia Intermont College, (Bristol, Va.) from 2001 – 2005.
He earned his bachelor’s in education degree at the University of Kentucky (Lexington), a master’s of public service at Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green) and a doctorate of education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech., Blacksburg).
He is in his fourteenth year as a college president after serving 27 years as a university faculty member and administrator. A native of Weirton, W.Va., Dr. Greiner visits on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 14 and 15.
Dr. Keely Camden resides in Wheeling and has been the dean of West Liberty University’s College of Education since 2009. Prior to that she was department chairwoman for the education department at Bethany College (W.Va.) from 2007 -2009. Before that Camden was assistant and associate professor of education (special education) at Bethany from 2001 – 2007.
Camden began her professional career as a special education teacher in various school districts including Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Va. and Marshall County, W.Va.
Camden earned a bachelor’s in education with a specialization in learning disabilities at Bethany College, a master’s of education in special education at Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Va.) and a doctorate in special education at West Virginia University. A native of Moundsville, W.Va., Dr. Camden will visit Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 21 and 22.
Dr. Cheryl Torsney resides in El Paso, Texas and most recently served as senior vice provost at the University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP). Prior to her appointment as senior vice-provost, she served as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at the State University of New York at New Paltz from 2011-12. Before that she was vice president and dean of the College at Hiram College (Ohio) from 2009-2011 and prior to that she was associate provost for academic programs at West Virginia University from 2003 -2009.
From 1985-2009, Torsney taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in the English department and served briefly as director of graduate studies at WVU. She also taught American literature at the Université de Savoie (Chambéry, France) and at the University of Utrecht (Utrecht, the Netherlands) during two Fulbright stints.
Torsney earned bachelor degrees in both English and French at Allegheny College (Meadville, Pa.), a master’s in English at Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge) and a doctorate in English at the University of Florida (Gainesville). A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Dr. Torsney, will visit Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24 and 25.
Dr. Ron Dempsey is a resident of Acworth, Ga. and since 2005 has served as vice president for University Advancement at Southern Polytechnic State University, Marietta, Ga., which is now consolidating with Kennesaw State University.
Prior to that, he was vice president for institutional advancement at Shorter University (Rome, Ga.) from 2001 – 2004. Before that he was director of foundation and corporate relations at Presbyterian College (Clinton, S.C.) from 1999 – 2001 and served as associate dean of academic affairs at Presbyterian College from 1993 – 1999.
He earned a bachelor’s in psychology at Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, N.C.). He also earned a master’s in sociology at University of Louisville (Ky.) and a master’s in history and sociology of science and technology at Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Ga.). Dempsey also earned a doctorate in philosophy at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, Ky.) and is currently finishing a doctorate in philosophy at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Ga.). A native of Rome, Ga., Dr. Dempsey will visit on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 28 and 29.
“The Board of Governors is confident that these four talented candidates offer West Liberty University students, staff, faculty and alumni, the professional qualifications, experience and vision that will continue our success and strengthen our future. I thank all members of the search committee for their diligence and work, and I look forward to welcoming the candidates to campus,” said Chairman of the Board of Governors George Couch.
The WLU Search Committee began its work last spring and the on-campus visits will give students, faculty, staff, alumni and other stakeholders a chance to meet the candidates and voice their opinion. Separate meetings are planned with all constituencies.
The final selection of president in mid-October will take place after all campus constituents have had a chance to comment, according to DeFelice.
The committee will present its final recommendations to the Board of Governors, who will then make the final selection and forward the name to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission for its seal of approval. WLU expects to have a president on board in time for the spring semester.
West Liberty University’s Presidential Search Committee is comprised of all members of the Board of Governors plus two additional faculty representatives, one additional non-classified staff member, one additional classified staff member, two WLU Foundation members and two alumni representatives. Also serving as non-voting, ex-officio members are Interim President Dr. John P. McCullough and Chancellor Dr. Paul Hill, of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
The complete vita of each candidate, along with the campus visit agenda, is available on the WLU Board of Governors webpage, westliberty.edu/BOG.