A long-time champion and advocate of diversity and inclusiveness in this state has been named chief diversity officer at West Virginia University, President Jim Clements announced Monday (Sept. 10).

David M. Fryson, deputy general counsel in WVU’s Office of Legal Affairs and General Counsel for the past 2� years, will take on his new duties Sept. 17.

“David Fryson has spent a lifetime advocating for and promoting diversity in our state,” said Clements. “One of the core goals of WVU’s strategic plan is fostering diversity and an inclusive campus, and David is extremely dedicated to that overarching philosophy.”

“I have committed my life to the principles of diversity and inclusiveness,” Fryson said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with our University to expand the scope or our diversity initiatives. As a West Virginian, I am particularly excited that President Clements is allowing me this opportunity to assist him in the implementation of the 2020 strategic plan that lists diversity as one of the core values of our future.”

Prior to joining WVU, Fryson practiced law for more than 20 years in federal, state and private practice settings. In addition to operating his own law firm, he has practiced as an attorney for the Preiser law Firm, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the West Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission and as city attorney for two municipalities.

Fryson is a member of the West Virginia State Bar, and has been active in community organizations ranging from serving as national vice president for OIC of America, founded by the legendary West Virginia native, the late Rev. Dr. Leon Sullivan, to assisting grass roots organizations such as West Virginia Multi-Fest.

He earned an undergraduate degree from West Virginia State College, where he was active in the marching band and served as band president, and received a law degree from WVU, where he served on the Moot Court Board and as president of the Black Law Students Association.

In his new role, Fryson will report to President Clements and serve on the senior leadership team. The current Social Justice, which includes compliance responsibilities under Equal Employment Opportunity, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI, Title VII and Title IX, will report to him under the new structure.

Officials confirmed late last month that Jennifer McIntosh, WVU’s long-time executive officer for social justice, had announced her intention to enter phased retirement, while continuing to work on immigration issues, federal audits and other issues.

Charlie Morris is currently serving as interim executive officer for social justice.

Clements thanked McIntosh for her work, saying, “I want to thank Jennifer McIntosh for her 19 years of service to this university. She came to WVU in 1993 during the Neil Bucklew administration as our affirmative action officer, and was promoted to director of affirmative action and equal opportunity programs and later to executive officer for social justice.

“I truly appreciate Jennifer’s and President Bucklew’s early work and many contributions over the years to promote a compliant and supportive work and educational environment.”

He added, “I also want to thank Jennifer for her passion and her efforts on the very successful Chancellor’s Doctoral Fellowship Program, the International Closet initiative for our international population, and her personal interest in the National Youth Sports Program for disadvantaged youth in our community.

“She also initiated the immigration committee to help support a growing community of students and scholars, as well as supported many university-wide programs – but perhaps most importantly, Jennifer became a friendly face of support to many students on campus.”

-WVU-

bl/09/10/12

CONTACT: University Relations/News
304.293.6997

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.