Long-time student life leader Corey Farris has been named associate vice president and dean of students at West Virginia University, effective July 1.

The new position was created by Vice President of Student Life Dr. Bill Schafer to produce greater oversight of initiatives that will promote student growth and development at West Virginia University.

“Student Life serves as a critical link to student success and the quality of a student’s overall educational experience, and, over time, changes and restructuring are vital in addressing student needs and meeting the institution’s mission,” Schafer said.

Farris has served as dean of students since 2010 and says he looks forward to assuming his new duties that align with the renewed focus on student success.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to refocus my energies on improving both the day-to-day and long-term experiences of our students. I believe the changes and restructuring occurring in Student Life will help us handle some very important issues on campus and raise the bar for student behavior and academic performance,” he said.

Schafer added, “As a highly regarded leader on the WVU campus, I believe Corey Farris is just the right individual to take on this evolving role in the Division of Student Life. Having Corey in this position is a very important step in strengthening our focus on students as our number one priority, while maintaining a safe and supportive environment. I have full confidence that he will enhance our ability to meet the needs of the University and our students.”

In his new role, Farris will report directly to the vice president of Student Life and will assume oversight of the newly-reorganized Office of Greek Life; Student Engagement and Leadership, formerly the Office of Student Activities; Student Government Association; Campus and Community Life, which includes student emergencies, off-campus housing and the commuter student programs; Student Legal Services; the Office of Student Conduct; the Veterans Resource Center; and the newly formed Student Media, which includes the Daily Athenaeum and WWVU-FM.

“I am honored and humbled by the confidence that Dr. Schafer has placed in me,” Farris said. “I am also pleased with his steadfast commitment to an enhanced student experience and ensuring that our students’ well-being is our number one priority.”

“Whether working as an administrator, a mentor or a friend, Corey’s dedicated service to WVU has engaged and empowered students for many years and I believe his new role will move us and our university forward,” Schafer added.

Farris joined WVU in 1991, and in addition to dean, has held several key leadership positions within Student Life, including director of Housing and University Apartments and assistant dean of students for Residential Education.

He is active in the community, serving on the Town-Gown Committee, Empty Bowls and other organizations that contribute to the betterment of Morgantown. In his new role he will serve as Student Life’s liaison between students, the University administration and community officials.

Farris earned a bachelor’s degree from WVU in business administration, and a master’s degree in student personnel from The Ohio State University.

*-WVU- *

ta/7/6/15

CONTACT: Sabrina Cave; WVU Office of Student Life
304.293.2506; Sabrina.Cave@mail.wvu.edu
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.