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West Virginia Northern Community College, a public, tri-campus, comprehensive, two-year college, seeks a dynamic, visionary leader with significant post-secondary education and training, community college, and senior administrative experience to serve as President. Committed to advancing the institution to even higher levels of achievement, this executive officer will embrace and passionately articulate our mission of providing learning opportunities that enrich the lives of individuals and promote the economic growth of the region and the state. The new President is expected to join the College in late summer 2026.

The West Virginia Board of Regents established West Virginia Northern Community College (Northern) in 1972, by re-designating the former Hancock County Branch and the Wheeling Campus of West Liberty State College (now known as West Liberty University). The Board specified that the newly created dual-campus community college would be responsible for providing educational programs of two years or less duration for high school graduates and adults. Responding to local community needs, the College began offering courses in New Martinsville in 1973, establishing its third campus there in 1975.

In the 2024-25 academic year, Northern enrolled 2,480 credit students plus 852 non-credit workforce students across its three campuses in Wheeling, Weirton, and New Martinsville. Students are primarily from the Northern Panhandle region of West Virginia, with approximately 16 percent attending from out of state.

In concert with the Board of Governors and the College, the President sets the vision, direction, and strategic priorities of Northern, ensuring that all are reflective of the institution’s mission of addressing the educational needs of the state and region while demonstrating a commitment to broad student access and success.

Building on past accomplishments, the President will further strengthen and expand programs, technology, and services while introducing new initiatives that address emerging trends and needs in the region. Working collaboratively with the college, the state education system, and the region, this executive officer will advance fresh ideas and initiatives that enhance the learning and working environment at Northern.

Candidates should have the academic and administrative leadership experience to successfully accomplish the responsibilities and goals of the position. An earned doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution is strongly preferred.

To learn more about Northern, the presidential opportunity, and the requirements, characteristics, and experiences sought in the next president, please review the institutional profile linked above.

Academic Search is partnering with West Virginia Northern Community College in this search. Confidential discussions about the position are encouraged and may be arranged by contacting Dr. Pam Balch: pam.balch@academicsearch.org

To apply, candidates should submit a letter of interest addressing the “Presidential Qualities and Requirements” listed in the institutional profile. Also required is a current resume or curriculum vitae. References will be requested later in the search. Applications can be confidentially submitted at: https://www.academicsearch.org/WVNCCpresidentApply

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to the search team, electronically and confidentially, to: WVNCCpresident@academicsearch.org. Please submit complete contact information and an email address for individuals being nominated.

The position is open until filled, but only applications received by April 23, 2026, will be guaranteed full consideration.

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and does not discriminate based on race, sex (e.g., sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or parenting status), disability, religion, color, national origin, or age in admission, employment, educational programs or activities. It also does not discriminate based on genetic information in employment or employee health benefits. Further, faculty, staff, students, and applicants are protected from retaliation for making complaints or assisting in investigations of discrimination. WVNCC will take steps to ensure that a lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the College’s CTE offerings. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. If you have questions, more information can be found on our website, https://wvncc.edu/offices-and-services/title-ix-/5251.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Veteran/Disabled Employer