Building on family legacy and career of service, WVU ITS director plays key role in campus digital security
Whinston Antion, the director of identity and access management and technical lead for the systemwide implementation of the Okta identity and access management platform, has served as a key leader in the University’s digital security efforts for nearly two decades. (WVU Photo)
Most West Virginia University employees and students begin their days by logging on to their computers. They enter their passwords, get smartphone notifications, and with quick taps, confirm their identity and securely connect to the digital world.
These seemingly simple steps to protect personal and academic data — better known as multi-factor authentication — have become effortless thanks to the work of Information Technology Services professionals like Whinston Antion, the director of identity and access management who has served as a key leader in the University’s digital security efforts for nearly two decades.
Lt. Col. Whinston Antion, U.S. Army Reserve, and current director of identity and access management for WVU Information Technology Services (Submitted Photo)
“I have the privilege of leading a team of experts who serve as the University’s digital gatekeepers,” he said. “Together, we manage nearly 600,000 WVU user accounts, meticulously controlling permissions to ensure only authorized users can access our network — all while keeping our sense of humor.”
His technological career began in 2003, thanks to his then-girlfriend and now wife of 18 years, Andrea. She not only found him a student worker position providing desktop support for Facilities Management, but she also convinced him to pursue a career doing something he was passionate about.
Antion and his wife Andrea met in college and he said she’s a big part of the reason he ended up where he is today in WVU ITS. (Submitted Photo)
That same year, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, completed basic training and joined the WVU Army ROTC.
He cites both his student work experience and military service as being instrumental in shaping his leadership style and commitment to service.
“My allegiance to the University and its people started as a student worker,” Antion said. “The Facilities crew knew little about computer problems, but they were hardworking people who were full of wisdom and loved sharing it. They taught me so much about life, and I will always be grateful for the diverse guidance they gave me.”
The year 2007 was also a year of major milestones for Antion.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science, joined ITS as a professional technologist — where he continued to support Facilities Management — and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Antion preparing for a briefing as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Technical Advisor Cell lead in the U.S. Army Reserve Consequence Management Unit. (Submitted Photo)
To make the year even more memorable, he also got married.
In 2009, he began juggling his civilian career with his military duties. Antion took command of the 300th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Company and he began Army Urban Search and Rescue training, while also “jumping on an opportunity” to work with ITS as an information security analyst — the role that ignited his dedication to modernizing the University’s digital infrastructure.
His connection to the University started much earlier, however.
In 1975, his father, Bob, served as a graduate assistant for Mountaineer head football coach Bobby Bowden, while his uncle, Tom, played as a backup offensive lineman. That same year, his father was a key player in “The Deal” and witnessed one of the most memorable “Backyard Brawl” wins in history.
Antion with his family before the 2025 Backyard Brawl which was also the 50-year anniversary of “The Deal.” Pictured in the photo are Antion’s wife, Andrea, son, Whinston Jr., daughter, Charlie, and Antion’s parents. (Submitted Photo)
His older siblings, Vicki and Brandon, are also alums.
“Attending WVU wasn’t a choice for me. It was my destiny. Unlike today’s fanfare with big social media announcements and campus tours, nobody in my family talked to me about where I would go to college. It was a given that I would continue the family legacy,” he said.
A culmination of his years of experience, blended with his passion for technology and a commitment to protecting the University, he now serves as the technical lead for the systemwide implementation of the Okta identity and access management platform, which went live on June 1.
“Leading the Okta implementation has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. This was a major effort for ITS; however, the new system will modernize the University’s identity management and enhance security for all of us,” Antion said.
Commemorating his team’s hard work, he created custom concrete trophies. He noted that presenting the trophies to his team after the initial Okta project went live was just a small gesture, but he said he hopes it helps them look back and remember their foundational piece in the project’s success.
Antion exploring the Mountain State at the Bridge Walk with his family and friends. He said it was a new and exciting view of the New River Gorge and definitely worth checking out. (Submitted Photo)
"The University has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 20 years. When I began my full-time career in ITS, digital security was a single password, and the rise in data breaches has shown us just how fragile that was,” he said.
“Fortunately, WVU adopted multi-factor authentication several years ago, adding a critical layer of security to every account.
“Now, WVU is retiring the Duo Mobile app on Oct. 1 and replacing it with Okta Verify. Just give us some time to get Okta in full use, and we will begin moving to passwordless authentication for some of our services.”
When Antion is not spending quality time with his wife and their daughter, Charlie, and son, Whinston Jr., he enjoys jogging, “Tough Mudder” competitions and small-batch craft brewing.
Antion is shown after completing the 62nd annual JFK 50 Mile ultramarathon. (Submitted Photo)
In August, Antion also became West Virginia’s Army Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer and, in the role, he is tasked with ensuring smooth and effective collaboration between state and federal military forces and civilian organizations during emergencies.
A new chapter in his family legacy also began this fall as his daughter started taking classes at WVU through the High School ACCESS program.
Proudly, he said, “She activated her Okta account without my prompting.”
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