West Virginia University Executive and Leadership Team

Michelle Bergeron, the Chief Executive Officer at West Virginia University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this public research institution. Overseeing institutional growth, the Chief Executive Officer aligns academic priorities with the land-grant mission to ensure long-term sustainability. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving initiatives that enhance the university's national research profile. By optimizing resource allocation across diverse departments, Michelle Bergeron directly impacts the quality of student outcomes and faculty productivity. Ultimately, Bergeron secures the financial and operational health of the university, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in higher education while fostering an environment of innovation and academic rigor across the entire campus community.

Christopher Kabourek, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at West Virginia University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Overseeing budget development and capital investments, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with the university's strategic priorities. This leadership role involves monitoring economic trends and implementing cost-saving measures to maintain institutional stability. By providing transparent financial reporting, Christopher Kabourek directly supports the university's commitment to accountability and growth. Ultimately, Kabourek secures the financial foundation necessary for academic excellence, ensuring that the university possesses the capital required to invest in new facilities, research programs, and student services that define the institution's impact on the state and the broader academic community.

Nicole Allaire, the President at West Virginia University, leads the academic and administrative functions of the institution with a focus on student success and community outreach. Overseeing the implementation of educational policies, the President ensures that the university maintains its status as a premier research institution. This leadership role involves engaging with alumni, donors, and government officials to secure support for university initiatives. By fostering a culture of academic inquiry, Nicole Allaire directly impacts the quality of the student experience. Ultimately, Allaire drives the university's mission forward, ensuring that the institution remains a catalyst for economic and social development in the region while preparing students to excel in a competitive global landscape through rigorous academic training and research opportunities.

Kendall Souder, the President of the Episcopal Campus Ministry at West Virginia University, directs the spiritual and community-building efforts for students and faculty. Overseeing the ministry's programming, the President of the Episcopal Campus Ministry ensures that the organization provides a supportive environment for personal and ethical development. This leadership role involves coordinating volunteer activities and fostering interfaith dialogue across the campus. By creating spaces for reflection and service, Kendall Souder directly impacts the well-being of the university community. Ultimately, Souder strengthens the social fabric of the institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in meaningful community service and personal growth, which complements the academic mission of the university by nurturing the holistic development of every individual involved in the ministry.

E. Gee, the President at West Virginia University, directs the strategic direction and public representation of the university. Overseeing the institution's engagement with state and national leaders, the President ensures that the university's research and educational goals remain at the forefront of public policy discussions. This leadership role involves championing initiatives that expand access to higher education and promote economic development across the state. By advocating for the university's interests, E. Gee directly impacts the institution's ability to secure funding and partnerships. Ultimately, Gee drives the university's commitment to excellence, ensuring that the institution continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge and innovation, while fostering a vibrant campus environment that prepares the next generation of leaders for success in their respective fields.

Reese Allen, the Microgravity Research Club Founder & President at West Virginia University, directs the development of experimental projects focused on aerospace and physics. Overseeing the club's research activities, the Microgravity Research Club Founder & President ensures that students gain hands-on experience with complex scientific challenges. This leadership role involves managing project timelines, securing necessary equipment, and coordinating with faculty advisors to ensure the success of experiments. By promoting scientific inquiry, Reese Allen directly impacts the university's reputation in the field of aerospace research. Ultimately, Allen fosters a culture of innovation and technical excellence, providing students with the practical skills and knowledge required to pursue careers in science and engineering, while contributing to the university's broader mission of advancing knowledge through cutting-edge research.

Sidney Morrison, the Chief Information Officer at West Virginia University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern research and academic delivery. Managing enterprise-wide data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures secure access to information for students, faculty, and staff. This leadership role involves implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols and cloud-based solutions to facilitate seamless collaboration across regional campuses. By modernizing the technological landscape, Sidney Morrison directly supports the university's commitment to digital transformation and data-driven decision-making. Ultimately, Morrison maintains the integrity of the university's information assets, providing the necessary tools for academic success and administrative efficiency in an increasingly connected global environment, while simultaneously driving the adoption of emerging technologies to keep the institution at the forefront of educational innovation.

Mario Barge, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at West Virginia University, directs talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the workforce strategy, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the university attracts and retains top-tier academic and administrative talent. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits programs and fostering an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of the campus community. By streamlining human capital processes, Mario Barge directly impacts the operational effectiveness of the institution. Ultimately, Barge cultivates a high-performance culture that aligns individual contributions with the broader mission of the university, ensuring that the workforce remains agile and prepared to meet the evolving demands of the higher education sector.

Erin Newmeyer, the Vice President & Chief of Staff at West Virginia University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication between the leadership team and the broader university community. Managing high-priority projects, the Vice President & Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive the necessary resources and attention to succeed. This leadership role involves bridging gaps between academic departments and administrative units to promote cross-functional collaboration. By refining internal processes, Erin Newmeyer directly supports the efficiency of the executive office. Ultimately, Newmeyer drives the execution of the university's long-term goals, providing the organizational structure required to navigate complex institutional challenges while maintaining a focus on the core mission of research, teaching, and public service across the entire state.

Stephanie Conrad, the Chief of Staff - Clinical and Translational Science at West Virginia University, directs the operational framework for medical research and clinical integration. Overseeing the translation of laboratory discoveries into patient care, the Chief of Staff - Clinical and Translational Science ensures that research initiatives meet rigorous scientific and ethical standards. This leadership role involves coordinating between clinical faculty, research staff, and external partners to accelerate the development of new medical treatments. By optimizing the research pipeline, Stephanie Conrad directly impacts the university's ability to address critical health challenges in the region. Ultimately, Conrad facilitates the growth of the clinical research enterprise, ensuring that the institution remains a vital hub for medical innovation and improved health outcomes for the public.