MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University has released the new names and leadership of two merged units Thursday.
The College of Creative Arts and the Reed College of Media have merged to form the WVU College of Creative Arts and will be lead by current Creative Arts Dean Keith Jackson. The WVU Extension, the WVU Center for Community Engagement and the renamed Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources will make up the new Division for Land-Grant Engagement and will be lead by Jorge Atiles, current dean and director of Extension and Engagement at WVU
For the next two years, Jackson will serve as dean of the new college then a national search will be launched for a new dean. Current Reed College of Media Dean Diana Martinelli will serve as the new college’s vice dean and director of the new Reed School of Media and Communications for one year. A new director will be selected following Martinelli’s return to full-time faculty status in fall 2025.
The new School of Media and Communications, the new College of Creative Arts and Media will continue to include the schools of Art and Design, Music, Theatre and Dance, and the Art Museum of WVU. The School of Art and Design will also now be home to three design-related programs from the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, including Design Studies; Fashion, Dress and Merchandising; and Interior Architecture.
“We are excited about the launch of this new college and the dynamic collaborations, innovative programs and potential growth opportunities that will arise from it,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Maryanne Reed said. “And we are fortunate to have two seasoned administrators who are willing to provide stability as they guide the college into a new era and plan for its future.”
Three other units will be realigned to better serve the people of West Virginia. Jorge Atiles will serve as the institution’s new associate vice president and dean for Land-Grant Engagement, overseeing all three units in the new division. In this role, he also will continue to serve as dean of WVU Extension and Engagement as well as serve as the new dean of the Davis College.
“I know that Dean Atiles, a proven leader and innovator, will bring energy, purpose and creativity to this exciting next chapter in the rich history of WVU as the state’s flagship and a modern land-grant, R1 university,” President Gordon Gee said. “The Division for Land-Grant Engagement will strengthen our commitment to continually improve the lives and livelihoods of individuals, families and communities within West Virginia and beyond.”
Atiles will begin a five-year contract this summer and undergo a three-year dean’s review in his new role. On July 1, current Davis College Dean Darrell Donahue will step down from his leadership role to serve as special assistant to the provost for one year. Donahue will then offer support on a number of statewide projects and key strategic initiatives.
All personnel and unit changes will be effective July 1. The fall 2024 semester will begin the first academic term under the new units’ names and structures.
Students currently enrolled in academic programs of the College of Creative Arts, College of Media and the Davis College will not see any significant changes to their programs of study or course availability. Students who graduate after July 1 will see the new college name on their transcripts and diplomas.