The West Liberty University Board of Governors today named Dr. John McCullough as its interim president during a special 4 p.m. meeting in Shaw Hall.
“I am pleased to serve West Liberty University as its interim president and I look forward to working with the members of the Board and with our outstanding faculty and staff as we focus on our important mission of providing a high quality educational experience for our students,” McCullough said.
The appointment is effective March 15, 2015 pending approval by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and will continue through the remainder of the 2014-15 fiscal year. The appointment carries with it no salary adjustment and McCullough is not a candidate for the permanent position of president.
“Dr. John McCullough has once again agreed to serve during a critical time of transition for the University, our students, faculty and staff. The Board has the utmost confidence in Dr. McCullough and we are privileged to have a leader of his caliber ready to step in,” said Chairman of the Board of Governors George Couch. “The University family knows Dr. McCullough’s dedication and long-time reputation as an executive, professor and mentor.”
A 44-year employee of the University, McCullough has filled a variety of roles over his years at West Liberty. Most recently, he has been serving as executive assistant to the president on a reduced-time basis.
McCullough previously served as interim president on two other occasions, one in 2001 and again from 2005-2007.
He also has served as provost and vice president of academic affairs for 11 years. Prior to that he was dean of the School of Business Administration for 15 years and before that he taught for many years as a professor of management.
A resident of Triadelphia, McCullough is a native of Illinois and graduate of Illinois State University and the University of North Dakota.
Couch also announced that the Board of Governors will immediately begin preparation in the search for a permanent president.
