MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University has announced the reorganization of the University Relations department in order to focus on the critical priorities of enrollment and communications strategy.
The renamed, Strategic Communications and Marketing unit will be comprised of Marketing, Creative, Communications, Outreach, Enrollment Management, Alumni Relations and operations for the WVU Purpose Center in partnership with Health Sciences Center Communications.
Heather Richardson
Heather Richardson who since 2019 has served as the assistant dean for Strategic Communications in the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics will lead the new unit and will report directly to President Gee. Richardson’s new title will be interim vice president for Strategic Communications and Marketing.
“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.”
Steve Hahn will serve as the interim vice president for Enrollment Management that will be a stand alone unit focused on enrollment and recruitment priorities. Hahn is currently a senior director with Huron Higher Education Strategy reporting directly to President Gee and working through a temporary arrangement with Huron.
Steve Hahn
Hahn will manage the Recruitment, Enrollment Management, Visitors Center, Student Financial Services, New Student Orientation and Recruitment Event units and a permanent vice president for the Enrollment Management unit will be recruited in the spring of 2025.
“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.”
Erin Newmeyer
Brand and Trademark Licensing will now be under the Strategic Partnerships umbrella and will be led by Associate Vice President Erin Newmeyer who will report to Paula Congelio, Chief Financial Officer. In addition to other administrative units, Newmeyer will also continue to oversee the Newmeyer will also continue to oversee revenue contracts for Barnes and Noble, Bright Horizons, PNC, Sodexo, and the Erickson Alumni Center and communications for Finance, Auxiliary and Business Services, Legal, Talent and Culture, University Police, Erickson Alumni Center.
Ann Bailey Berry will serve as the vice president of Outreach that will be aligned with Government Relations which is led by Travis Mollohan. Berry will provide strategic direction and enhance partnerships with the Mountaineer Parents Club and manage an events strategy team.
The WVU Alumni Association will be led by Kevin Berry, vice president of Alumni Relations and CEO of the WVU Alumni
Mark Gavin
Association. He will report directly to Gee and work 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, strategic initiatives and as of Oct. 1 will be the vice provost. Strategies to promote synergies between the Purpose Center and WVU Career Services The Provost’s Office is continuing to explore possible synergies between the Purpose Center and WVU Career Services are under review.
These changes will be effective Sept. 23.