WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors approves presidential contract

December 5, 2008

WVU at Parkersburg Board of Governors approves three-year presidential contract.

CONTACT: Connie Dziagwa, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement, 304-424-8203.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors has approved a three-year contract for WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage.

At a meeting Thursday (Dec. 4), the board unanimously approved the presidential contract package following a short executive session. President Gnage's salary will increase by 3 percent to $148,460 annually.

Joe Campbell, chair of the Board of Governors, noted the contract, which includes a three-year deferred compensation clause, is appropriate given the fact that President Gnage oversees the largest community college in West Virginia.

"The board thanks you for your service," Campbell told President Gnage. "This contract reflects the board's support and appreciation of your accomplishments and leadership."

The contract will be presented to the WV Council for Community and Technical Education for final approval.

President Gnage became the sixth president of WVU Parkersburg in 2004. She is the first African-American female to serve as president of a college or university in West Virginia. She was recently featured in the Washington, D.C.-based Chronicle of Higher Education in a profile of seven community college presidents from across the country. The article cited her commitment to building stronger community ties and her initiatives in taking her institution in new directions.

WVU Parkersburg is the fifth largest college in West Virginia with approximately 4,000 students. It is the only community college in the state accredited to offer baccalaureate degrees.

In other action, the WVU Parkersburg board approved a resolution regarding an agreement between the college and the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, Inc.