WVU announces University Relations reorganization

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WVDN) — West Virginia University University Relations is undergoing a reorganization to provide focus to critical University priorities of enrollment and communications strategy, following the Sept. 3 announcement that Sharon Martin, chief marketing officer and vice president for University Engagement, is departing for a new opportunity.

University Relations is currently comprised of the units of Marketing, Creative, Communications, Outreach, Enrollment Management, Alumni Relations and operations for the WVU Purpose Center , with a close partnership with Health Sciences Center Communications.

As the units realign, University Relations will be renamed Strategic Communications and Marketing to reflect a renewed focus on its core competencies.

Heather Richardson , who has served as assistant dean for Strategic Communications in the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics since 2019, will provide leadership to the refocused unit as interim vice president for Strategic Communications and Marketing. Richardson’s communications and marketing experience spans nearly two decades, including 10 years in higher education in both central and college roles. Prior to her time at WVU, she worked for a public relations agency building communications and community engagement strategies and crisis communications plans for Fortune 500 industrial companies.

Richardson will report to President Gordon Gee and will oversee the University’s Marketing, Creative and Communications teams, and will also work in close partnership with HSC Communications. She will continue to lead the Chambers College Strategic Communications team during her interim appointment.

“Heather has built an impressive record of success leading marketing and communications in the Chambers College, and those efforts are illustrated by the momentum of the WVU business school over the last five years,” Gee said. “She has earned the respect of her colleagues both inside and outside of our University as a collaborative, strategic leader and change agent. She is the right leader at the right time to bring new energy and direction to our reimagined Strategic Communications and Marketing unit.”

Enrollment Management is repositioning as its own unit to allow for dedicated focus on enrollment and recruitment priorities, a process that began this summer under the leadership of Steve Hahn , interim vice president for Enrollment Management. Hahn, who is a senior director in Huron’s Higher Education Strategy practice, is currently working with the University through a temporary arrangement with Huron, reporting directly to Gee.

Prior to joining Huron, Hahn led Enrollment Management at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2013-2020. Units under his purview will include Recruitment, Enrollment Management, Visitors Center, Student Financial Services, New Student Orientation and Recruitment Events. The University plans to recruit a permanent vice president for Enrollment Management in spring 2025 in a process to be shaped by the successful WVU presidential candidate. The search for a new president is underway.

“Steve has extensive experience developing and driving strategic enrollment and recruitment activities at similar state flagship institutions. He also has a deep knowledge and appreciation for WVU through past consulting arrangements,” Gee said. “We are very fortunate that Huron was willing to loan us such an experienced individual who will give a critical eye to our enrollment unit and practices to ensure the University is well-positioned to grow our enrollment this fall and for the future.”

Brand and Trademark Licensing will be repositioned as part of the Strategic Partnerships unit led by Associate Vice President Erin Newmeyer to grow its revenue generation strategies. Newmeyer — who reports to University Chief Financial Officer Paula Congelio — currently oversees auxiliary and revenue generating contracts for the University, including Barnes and Noble, Bright Horizons, PNC, Sodexo and the Erickson Alumni Center. Newmeyer will also continue to oversee the marketing and communications efforts for Finance , Auxiliary and Business Services , Legal , Talent and Culture , University Police , Erickson Alumni Center and other administrative units. She will work closely with Richardson to tie Brand and Trademark and Licensing’s work to the University’s marketing strategy.

Ann Bailey Berry , assistant vice president for Outreach, will lead a critical engagement and events team to be aligned with the Government Relations and Collaboration division, which is led by Associate Vice President Travis Mollohan , who reports to Gee. Berry will provide strategic direction for initiatives to enhance partnerships and collaborations, including working with the Mountaineer Parents Club and overseeing an events strategy team, that will advance the University’s land-grant mission. She will continue her work with WVU Extension , and will build connections across the University system and throughout West Virginia with a focus on outreach and engagement.

The WVU Alumni Association , led by Kevin Berry, vice president of Alumni Relations and CEO of the WVU Alumni Association, will report directly to Gee, working closely with Congelio.

The WVU Purpose Center will move to the Office of the Provost and report to Senior Associate Provost Mark Gavin . Gavin currently oversees academic budgets, facilities and strategic initiatives. It was previously announced that Gavin will become vice provost and assume his new role and duties beginning Oct. 1. The Provost’s Office is continuing to explore possible synergies between the Purpose Center and WVU Career Services functions.

All operational changes related to the University Relations restructuring are effective Sept. 23.

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