Parkersburg, W.Va. (May 3, 2023) — The West Virginia University Parkersburg Board of Governors announced Dr. Cathy Monteroso and Dr. Torie Jackson as finalists for Presidency on Tuesday.

“After the search committee met and interviewed, we had 37 applicants. Seven semi-finalists were chosen to be interviewed by zoom,” said Joseph Oliverio, board of governors member and search committee chair, during a Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, May 2. “The two finalists moving forward — are Dr. Cathy Monteroso and Dr. Torie Jackson.”

Monteroso is the interim president at West Liberty University. She has a bachelor’s in history from East Tennessee State University, a master’s in physical education from Azusa Pacific University, and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Northcentral University. She has over 20 years of experience in higher education.

Jackson is the interim president and the chief executive officer at WVUP. She is an alum of WVUP with an associate of applied science in journalism. She has a Regents Bachelor of Arts with emphasis in journalism, a master’s in corporate/organizational communication, and a doctorate in higher education administration, all from West Virginia University. She has been working in higher education since 2004.

The Board of Governors invited the two finalists to campus on May 12 to visit with faculty, staff and students, and to share a meal with the board.

The board will announce its choice for President during its next regular meeting on May 16.