The West Liberty University Foundation has named longtime WLU music faculty member Alfred R. de Jaager to its board of directors.  Professor de Jaager has served as director of choral activities at the university since 1966.  His appointment marks the first time a full-time member of faculty has served on the board.

“I am extremely honored to be the first faculty member to be elected to the WLU Foundation board of directors,” de Jaager said. “I hope to be able to represent the ‘campus view’ in our discussions and actions. Each year, as state funding seems constantly to decrease, the WLU Foundation plays an ever increasingly important role in our ongoing mission.”

Judy Hennen, Administrative Manager of the WLU Foundation added, “Al is a very effective administrator. His knowledge of the Ohio Valley and development initiatives will be a tremendous attribute to the foundation board.”

De Jaager, honored as 2005-06 professor of the year by the student government association, and 2002 recipient of the American Choral Directors’ Association Award for Excellence, also has served as chairman of the WLU department of music, chairman of the department of art, director of the school of fine arts, interim chairman of the department of arts and communications, and interim dean of the school of liberal arts. He holds degrees from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and West Virginia University. He did additional graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, North Texas State University, and Westminster Choir College.

A volunteer board of directors governs the West Liberty University Foundation. Its mission is to support the institution through the conscientious cultivation, investment, and stewardship of private funds. In fulfilling this mission, the foundation invests the proceeds from gifts, donations and bequests, returning the earnings to the university for student scholarships, program enhancements, faculty development, capitol projects and other needs.