As West Virginia State University continues to expand its research portfolio, Vice President Orlando F. McMeans has named Dr. Robert J. Barney interim assistant vice president for Research and Public Service. Barney will also continue to serve as associate dean and associate director of the University’s Agricultural and Environmental Research Station, a position he has held since 2010.
“Dr. Barney brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member, research scientist and administrator, and he is an advocate for undergraduate research,” said McMeans, vice president for Research and Public Service. “His record of dedication and commitment to the advancement of the academy will greatly contribute to the elevation and enhancement of the University’s research and public service missions.”
Prior to joining WVSU, Barney was associate director for Research at Kentucky State University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Illinois, a Master of Science in Zoology from Eastern Illinois University and earned a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Kentucky. He has over 60 publications in scholarly journals in the areas of integrated pest management, biological control, beetle taxonomy and biodiversity, and environmental assessment and conservation.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across campus and throughout our community to enhance and facilitate research and public service at WVSU, so that we can better serve the people of West Virginia and our students,” he said.
Barney will be responsible for the development of essential research policies, research related publications, fiscal affairs, oversight of research committees, research compliance and sponsored programs.
