WVUToday Archive

West Virginia University President David C. Hardesty, Jr. announced today (Aug. 19) his plan to retire effective Sept. 20, 2007. At that time, he will have served as the longest permanently appointed president in WVU history.

It goes without saying that it has been an honor beyond description for my wife Susan and me to have served our alma mater,Hardesty said.

Citing both personal and professional reasons, Hardesty informed the WVU Board of Governors by conference call this morning of his plans to retire as president next year, giving the University a full year for the search and transition to a new president.

Susan and I are at a point in our lives when we are looking forward to more time to ourselves and with our family and friends. Our hearts are filled with joy and anticipation as we make this decision.Hardesty said timing played a role in his decision.

It is an excellent time for a transition at the University. A new strategic plan and capital campaign are likely to begin around 2010, and a new president should play an important role in designing and implementing both initiatives. An experienced leadership team is in place and the Board of Governors is strong and well led. Gov. Joe Manchin is a visionary leader who cares deeply about WVU , as does our Legislature and Congressional delegation.

He added,Obviously, there has to be a transition at some point and this seems like the right time for the University and for my family, but I plan to stay in Morgantown and will enjoy watching the continued successes of the University.

Hardesty will continue to stay active in the life of the University. After completing his final year, he plans to teach at the WVU College of Law, beginning in the spring of 2008. He has taught a seminar on lawyers and the legislative process at the law school for nine years.

Hardestys tenure has been marked by records in enrollment, research and sponsored programs, and private giving. Facilities and academic programs have also flourished under his guidance. But his student-centered initiatives may stand as the hallmark of his legacy.

Some of those innovative student programs include placing Resident Faculty Leaders in the residence halls to guide and mentor students; establishing a Parent Advocate to assist families of students; and reinstating the Festival of Ideas lecture series; introducing an alternative weekend program WVUp All Night; among others.

Hardestys wife of 38 years, Susan, is also a WVU graduate and the two met during their college years in Morgantown. She is nationally known for leading the Mountaineer Parents Club, a network of 15,000 active families of WVU students. The Hardestys created the program in 1995 and Mrs. Hardesty has been a tireless volunteer in helping families stay connected with their students’education and life at WVU .

WVU Board of Governors Chairman Stephen Goodwin praised Hardestys long service,”A fellow alumni and one of this institution’s 25 Rhodes Scholars, President David Hardesty will not only leave WVU as the longest serving president in University history, but with a remarkable record.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, I want to express our gratitude to President Hardesty for his distinguished service to West Virginia University. During his tenure, the national promise of WVU has grown exponentially; enrollment has increased; research and sponsored program funding has been augmented significantly; and alumni and corporate giving in support of this institution is now greater than ever before. While we will unquestionably miss his leadership, we certainly respect his wishes and forever remain grateful to both Susan and David for their unparalleled service to their alma mater.

Since becoming president in 1995, Hardesty has led WVU to record-breaking enrollments, increasing student enrollment by more than 5,000 full-time students over the past 10 years. Research funding has achieved record levels, more than doubling from 1995 levels. A technology transfer operation has been launched, and several teaching and research initiatives have achieved national and international accolades, including neurosciences, energy, forensics and biometrics, and the Industries of the Future program, among others.

Over the past decade, WVU has made nearly one billion dollars of capital investments in the campus, including a new library, life sciences building, student recreation center and numerous expansions at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center and affiliated hospitals.

The Universitys first new residence hall in 40 years was just dedicated with another to be constructed this year. Lincoln Hall, a residential college experience, builds on WVU s highly successful resident faculty leader program.

A record-setting $334 million capital campaign was completed by the WVU Foundation, Inc., and ground will soon be broken for a new alumni center. The WVU Extension Service doubled the number of clients it serves throughout West Virginia, with its 4-H program growing to touch approximately 1 in 5 youth across the state. Hardesty is currently the first university president to serve as chairman of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees.

He is also one of 17 presidents on the National Security Higher Education Advisory Board, and currently serves as the vice chair of the Big East Conference and as representative on the BCS Presidential Oversight Committee. He is also a member of the Presidential Task Force on the Future of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Susan and I have worked for our alma mater as hard as we could every day since coming to WVU in 1995,Hardesty said.We will continue to do so through this year and then it will be time to begin a new phase of our lives.

The WVU Board of Governors is responsible for the search process. According to Goodwin,the Board will begin soon the process of undertaking the selection of the next president of this great institution.

Hardesty is WVU s 21st president. A native of Shinnston, he graduated from WVU in 1967 with a degree in political science and attended Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1973 and prior to joining WVU practiced law with Bowles Rice McDavid Graff and Love in Charleston. He also served as state tax commissioner.

The following are comments issued by Sen. Robert C. Byrd and Gov. Joe Manchin regarding President Hardesty’s announcement today:

Byrd thanks President and Susan Hardesty for service to West Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., on Saturday congratulated West Virginia University (WVU) President David Hardesty and his wife, Susan, for their long service to the Mountain State and the country.President Hardesty announced on Saturday his intention to retire from the university presidency in September 2007.

David and Susan Hardesty have transformed West Virginia University and lifted the entire state.Their legacy will last for years to come, as the young people who have been educated in the halls of campus carry our state and our country to new heights.Each year brings a record number of students to campus; each day opens new doors of thought and experience and accomplishment for the young people at WVU a true testament to David and Susan Hardesty.I am proud to have partnered with President Hardesty and his leadership team to build a foundation at WVU that will carry on for many years to come.

President Hardesty has made it his mission to revitalize the spirit of West Virginia University and expand its mission on campus, throughout our state, and across the country.Because of this tireless work, WVU has developed into one of the nations leading research institutions, with cutting-edge opportunities for students and scientists alike in health sciences, biometrics, advanced energy, agriculture, and transportation.The Parents Club, which Susan established, makes the college experience a family experience, and not just one for the students.David and Susan have had a tremendous and lasting impact on the lives of tens of thousands of families.

I cannot thank David and Susan enough for their tireless efforts for West Virginia.I wish them continued success and God’s blessings in their life’s journey together.To borrow a line from the WVU alma mater, we will sing of their honor, everlasting through the years.

Gov. Manchin comments on Hardesty legacy

CHARLESTON W.Va.I have known David Hardesty for many years, and he has always been a tremendous asset to the State of West Virginia.As President of WVU , he has led the university through a period of exceptional growth and into a respected position of national prominence.Gayle and I wish him, and his wife Susan, nothing but the best as they begin their transition into a well-deserved private life.West Virginia University is a better place because of the dedication to public service of David Hardesty, and the State of West Virginia is truly grateful.

U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller comments on Hardesty’s retirement:

WASHINGTON , D.C.Hardesty’s departure is an”enormous loss”for the state and university, U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., said.

“Under David’s leadership, WVU has reached new heights in academic excellence,”said Rockefeller, who has been friends with the Hardestys for almost 40 years.”The Hardestys have been innovative and steady leaders, and their efforts have provided a blueprint for WVU to continue to be a center of American education well into the new century.”

*Hardesty leaves us in good shape: Editorial fromThe Daily Athenaeum

On Saturday afternoon, President Hardesty, West Virginia University’s 21st president and WVU alum, announced that he will retire on September 20, 2007, following the 2006-2007 academic year.

The staff of the Daily Athenaeum respects Hardesty’s decision and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

With that said, we also hope that the next president to take Hardesty’s place picks up where he left off and takes the University to new levels.

Over his 11 years as President of WVU , Hardesty had successfully initiated and integrated programs such as the Resident Faculty leader program in each residence hall and the WVUp All Night program.

He also began the Mountaineer Parents Club, giving parents a link to their students while they are away at college. His wife Susan serves as the Chair of the Mountaineers Parents Club.

Hardesty’s 2010 program will also maintain its course after his retirement. The current renovations of Colson, Brooks and Oglebay halls will open more classrooms, and Lincoln Hall’s opening means more beds for incoming freshmen.

The next president of WVU will have very big shoes to fill. Hardesty has been student-focused and has helped to foster a strong connection between the University and the state. Relationships between a president and his university often bring many ups and downs, and we hope there are more ups than downs in store for the next WVU Pre sident.

The selection process to replace Hardesty will be a difficult one, and the hopes of The Daily Athenaeum are that the next president will take the initiative to become part of the Mountaineer Spirit.

West Virginia University itself is in its prime, so this is the best time for Hardesty to retire.

We are proud to have had Hardesty for 11 years. This is not a farewell but a thank-you for the hard work. We hope that Hardesty and his family will continue to call Morgantown their home and stay connected with the campus.

Related Links:

Messages about Hardesty’s retirement

www.wvu.edu/administration/retirement