West Virginia University Executive and Leadership Team

Michelle Bergeron, the Chief Executive Officer at West Virginia University, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the institution. Bergeron's leadership focuses on advancing the university's mission as a leading public research university, ensuring academic rigor and fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries. This executive role involves aligning departmental goals with institutional objectives, driving growth in key academic programs, and enhancing the university's national and international standing. By overseeing critical initiatives, Michelle Bergeron ensures the effective allocation of resources and champions innovation across all facets of the university's operations, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of higher education and research.

Stephen Douglas, the President & Chief Executive Officer at West Virginia University, spearheads the institution's strategic direction and comprehensive operational management. Douglas's tenure is marked by a commitment to enhancing the university's research capabilities and expanding its educational reach, aligning with its land-grant mission. This leadership position involves fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including faculty, students, alumni, and government officials, to advance institutional priorities. Overseeing all major university functions, Stephen Douglas drives initiatives aimed at improving student success, increasing research funding, and strengthening community engagement. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that West Virginia University remains at the forefront of academic innovation and societal contribution.

Omar Banks, the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer at West Virginia University, directs the financial operations and strategic planning for the university's athletic department. Banks's leadership ensures fiscal responsibility, manages budgets, and oversees financial reporting for all athletic programs, supporting their competitive success and operational sustainability. This dual role involves not only financial oversight but also contributing to the strategic development and management of athletic initiatives, ensuring alignment with university policies and objectives. By meticulously managing financial resources and contributing to athletic strategy, Omar Banks plays a crucial part in the continued growth and success of West Virginia University athletics, fostering a strong financial foundation for athletic excellence.

Christopher Kabourek, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at West Virginia University, oversees the institution's financial health, strategic fiscal planning, and resource management. Kabourek's responsibilities encompass managing budgets, investments, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations, supporting the university's extensive operational and capital needs. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that enable academic and research growth while maintaining fiscal stability and accountability. By guiding the financial direction of West Virginia University, Christopher Kabourek ensures robust resource allocation, supports long-term institutional sustainability, and enhances the university's capacity to achieve its strategic objectives. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer safeguards the university's financial future.

Kendall Souder, the President of the Episcopal Campus Ministry at West Virginia University, leads the spiritual and community engagement initiatives for students within the Episcopal tradition. Souder's leadership focuses on fostering a supportive environment for spiritual growth, providing pastoral care, and organizing activities that connect students with their faith and with each other. This role is vital in offering a dedicated space for religious life and community building on campus, complementing the academic experience. By guiding the Episcopal Campus Ministry, Kendall Souder ensures that students have access to resources that support their holistic development and well-being, strengthening the diverse tapestry of student life at West Virginia University. The President of the Episcopal Campus Ministry nurtures student spiritual development.

Amy Garbrick, the Director, Operations & President, Office of at West Virginia University, manages and directs key operational functions and strategic initiatives within the designated office. Garbrick's responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, implementing process improvements, and ensuring the efficient execution of departmental objectives to support the university's broader mission. This leadership role is crucial for maintaining operational excellence and driving strategic projects forward, ensuring seamless integration with other university functions. By focusing on operational efficiency and strategic alignment, Amy Garbrick contributes significantly to the effective functioning of West Virginia University, enhancing its capacity to deliver on its educational and research commitments. The Director, Operations & President, Office of optimizes institutional processes.

Sidney Morrison, the Chief Information Officer at West Virginia University, architects and oversees the institution's comprehensive technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Morrison's responsibilities encompass ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of all IT systems, supporting academic research, administrative functions, and student learning experiences. This role is critical in driving digital transformation initiatives, implementing innovative technological solutions, and enhancing cybersecurity measures across the university. By managing the IT department, Sidney Morrison ensures that technology effectively supports West Virginia University's educational and research objectives, facilitating seamless operations and providing cutting-edge digital resources to the entire campus community. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision guides the university's technological advancements.

Stephanie Conrad, the Chief of Staff - Clinical and Translational Science at West Virginia University, provides strategic support and operational oversight for the clinical and translational research endeavors. Conrad's role is pivotal in streamlining research processes, facilitating collaboration among scientific teams, and ensuring the efficient execution of research projects aligned with institutional goals. This executive function involves managing key initiatives, coordinating interdisciplinary efforts, and supporting the advancement of scientific discoveries from the laboratory to patient care. By enhancing operational efficiency and strategic alignment within the clinical and translational science domain, Stephanie Conrad directly contributes to West Virginia University's robust research output and its impact on public health. The Chief of Staff - Clinical and Translational Science drives critical research operations.

Mario Barge, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at West Virginia University, leads the comprehensive human resources strategy and operations for the institution. Barge's purview includes talent acquisition, employee development, compensation and benefits, and fostering a positive and productive work environment for all faculty and staff. This executive role is essential in attracting, retaining, and developing a high-caliber workforce that supports the university's academic and research missions. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Mario Barge ensures that West Virginia University cultivates a culture of excellence and inclusivity, driving institutional success through its most valuable asset: its people. The Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer shapes the employee experience.

James Abel, the Board of Governors at West Virginia University, provides high-level governance and strategic oversight to ensure the university fulfills its mission and objectives. Abel's role involves participating in key decision-making processes, setting institutional policies, and ensuring the long-term viability and success of the university. This position requires a deep understanding of higher education dynamics and a commitment to advancing the institution's academic, research, and public service goals. By contributing to the strategic direction and governance framework, James Abel plays an integral part in shaping the future of West Virginia University, upholding its standards of excellence and its commitment to serving the state and beyond. The Board of Governors guides institutional strategy.