Activist Meshea Poore has been named the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at West Virginia University.
Meshea Poore, a long-time champion of under-represented people, has been named vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at West Virginia University.
“Meshea will be a powerful voice at the University on some of the most important societal issues we face,” President Gordon Gee said Wednesday (Feb. 14) in announcing her appointment. “She brings a long list of accomplishments and remarkable enthusiasm to the position.”
Poore, an attorney who served in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 2009 to 2014, is currently in private practice in Charleston where she also serves as president of the West Virginia State Bar.
Her appointment is effective Monday (Feb. 19).
“The connecting thread of my life's work has been equal justice and community advancement,” Poore said. “As vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, I am excited to motivate others to recognize the value in our differences and have an eagerness to create transformational change.
“It is vitally important that we foster an environment that embraces the wholeness of every individual that calls West Virginia University family and wants to call West Virginia home,” she said. “We are the beacon that will guide the way.”
WVU’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works across campus to ensure a safe and inclusive environment, based on the belief that all students and employees, regardless of their backgrounds, race, sexual orientation or religious preference, deserve to benefit from a diverse learning environment.
Poore received a bachelor of arts in political science from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and a law degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition, she earned a certificate from Yale University’s Women’s Campaign School.
In addition to practicing law, Poore has worked with the People for the American Way in Washington, the Charleston YWCA, as an adjunct professor at West Virginia State University, faculty in residence at Rutgers University and a director and debate coach for the West Virginia Democratic Party.
Prior to operating her own practice, she was an attorney in the Office of the Kanawha County Public Defender in Charleston.
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CONTACT: John A.
Bolt; University Relations/Communications
304.293.5520; jabolt@mail.wvu.edu