Lang named interim campus president at WVU Tech as Long heads to HEPC

With the announcement that Carolyn Long has been selected to temporarily lead the state’s higher education coordination body, Gerald Lang has been named interim campus president at West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Beckley. 

West Virginia University Provost Joyce McConnell appointed Lang following Long’s election Tuesday by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to serve until a new chancellor is selected. 

“The higher education community of our state is deeply fortunate to have Carolyn Long stepping into the interim leadership at HEPC, and we are just as fortunate to have Jerry Lang stepping in as interim president at WVU Tech, McConnell said. “Jerry has tremendous wisdom and vision and will provide the leadership that our Beckley Campus needs.” 

Long, a former member and chair of the West Virginia University Board of Governors, has led WVU Tech for nearly seven years. 

During her tenure, Long steered WVU Tech’s transition from Montgomery to a new campus with state-of-the-art facilities in Beckley. WVU Tech has also seen increased enrollment and an expansion of programs and services under her leadership. 

“I have loved my time serving the students, faculty and staff at WVU Tech,” Long said. “I will miss working directly with my Golden Bear and Mountaineer families.” 

WVU President Gordon Gee praised Long’s service to the WVU community. 

“Carolyn is a force of nature and has achieved the near-impossible while at WVU Tech. She stepped in at a crucial time in the institution’s life and rebuilt it – literally and figuratively – into a dynamic, growing institution,” Gee said. “Her guiding hand will be missed in Beckley, but I look forward to working together in her new role.” 

Lang, who most recently served as Tech’s campus provost until the appointment of Joan Neff in May, said, “Carolyn’s dedication and commitment to WVU Tech’s viability has set a strong foundation for a bright future." 

“Under her leadership, the campus transitioned to a new campus at Beckley. Faculty, staff and students have responded favorably and enrollment continues to increase. Carolyn’s transparency of purpose and personal concern for each individual affected by the relocation made the transition go smoothly,” he said. “That is a historic accomplishment,” he said. 

-WVU- 

ak/07/10/18 

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