Concord University Presidential Search

After 41 years of dedicated service to Concord University, Dr. Kendra S. Boggess has announced her retirement as President, effective August 2025. Dr. Boggess, the university’s first female president, took on the role in Spring 2014 and has since led Concord through a transformative period marked by significant growth and resilience in the face of various challenges.

Throughout her tenure, Dr. Boggess has been a visionary leader, guiding Concord University through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, funding cuts, and other hurdles typical in higher education. Her unwavering commitment to the university’s motto, “Come to Learn, Go to Serve,” was particularly evident during the pandemic, where she, her administration, faculty and staff not only ensured the safety of the campus community while maintaining continuity in education but also donated critical personal protective masks during a national shortage.

Under Dr. Boggess’s leadership, Concord University, along with the CU Foundation achieved numerous milestones and improvements. Notable projects include the comprehensive renovation of the Twin Towers dormitory, enhancing student living conditions with modern amenities. Additionally, the addition of an on-campus student health center, upgrades to athletic facilities such as the track renovation and other infrastructure improvements have been pivotal in enhancing Concord’s ability to support its students and community.

In terms of academics, Dr. Boggess and her faculty administration expanded Concord’s offerings by introducing new programs in Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, Substance Use Studies, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Masters of Business Administration, and various minors in programs developed to enhance graduate studies as well as student employability. Her advocacy also led to the creation of West Virginia’s first Varsity Esports Team and a major in Esports, underscoring her commitment to advancing innovative educational opportunities and meeting student interests.

Additionally, during her tenure she, the faculty, and her Grant’s staff have increased funding exponentially to support Faculty and Student research, academic programming, and student support services.

Reflecting on her tenure, Dr. Boggess expressed profound gratitude: “It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, and a touch of sadness that I plan to leave The Campus Beautiful and embark on my future retirement plans. I have been consistently buoyed by an extraordinary community through every challenge. It has truly been the honor of my lifetime to represent and help build our community at Concord University.”

Dr. Brad Lane, chair of the search committee tasked with finding Dr. Boggess’s successor, remarked, “With Dr. Boggess’s announcement, it marks the end of a significant era of leadership and dedication. Her tenure has been characterized by a commitment to academic excellence, student success, shared governance, and community engagement. The search committee will diligently seek a leader who can uphold Concord University’s values, traditions, and also bring innovative ideas to guide the institution into the future.”

Concord University remains steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence and community service as it prepares for this transition. Dr. Boggess’s legacy will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light as the university continues on its path of growth and distinction.

Presidential Search Committee Members

Questions regarding the Presidential Search should be directed to cubog@concord.edu.

Brad Lane

Dr. Brad Lane

Chairperson

Santina St. John

Dr. Santina St. John

Vice Chairperson

A photo of Chuck Becker on Concord University's campus

Dr. Chuck Becker

CU Foundation Representative

Adriana Falco

Dr. Adriana Falco

CU Faculty Representative

Brooke Sears

Ms. Brooke Sears

CU Student Government Association Representative

Eddie Adkins

Mr. Eddie Adkins

CU Alumni Association Representative  

Doug Moore

Mr. Doug Moore

CU Classified Staff Representative

Chris Selvey

Col. Chris Selvey

Board Of Governors Appointed Representative

Sam Baker

Mr. Sam Baker

Board of Governors Appointed Representative

Sarah Tucker

Dr. Sarah Tucker

WV Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor – Ex Officio Member

A photo of Lora Woolwine on Concord University's campus

Mrs. Lora Woolwine

Board of Governors Liaison

December 2023
December 2023 Initial Discussions of the Forming of the Search Committee.
February 2024
February 20, 2024 Announcement of the Chair & Vice Chair of the Presidential Search Committee to the CU BOG.
April 2024
April 16, 2024 First Report of the Presidential Search Committee to the BOG.
April 23, 2024 Notice was sent to the constituent leaders requesting that they name a representative to serve on the search committee.
May 2024
May 21, 2024 Deadline for constituents to name their representative for the committee.
June 2024
June 04, 2024 Second Report of the Search Committee to the BOG. Announcement of the names of all the search committee members. The WVHEPC is an ex-officio member of every Presidential Search Committee.
July 2024
July 01, 2024 First Meeting of the Presidential Search Committee by videoconference.
July 02, 2024 Dr. Boggess’ Official Notice of Retirement.
July 29, 2024 Second Meeting of the Search Committee by videoconference.
August 2024
August 05, 2024 Request for bids for Executive Search Firm proposals initiated.
August 20, 2024 Third Meeting of the Search Committee by videoconference to approve the Presidential Search Process.
August 30, 2024 Deadline for constituents to forward their list of characteristics of the new President to the committee.
September 2024
September 09-13, 2024 Campus, Constituents & Community Listening Sessions.
September 10, 2024 Third report of the Search Committee to the CU BOG and BOG Approval of the Official Search Process.
September 16, 2024 Fourth Meeting of the Search Committee by videoconference.
October 2024
October 14, 2024 Notice will be sent out to constituents requesting a list of characteristics of the new President.
October 21, 2024 Interviews of search firm finalists and Selection of Search Firm.
October 25, 2024 Deadline for constituents to forward their list of characteristics of the new President to the committee.
October 28, 2024 Fifth meeting of the Search Committee by videoconference.
November 2024
November 06, 2024 Sixth meeting of the Search Committee by videoconference.
November 11, 2024 Solicitation of Candidates.
November 25, 2024 Seventh Meeting of the Search Committee by videoconference.
December 2024
December 02-13, 2024 Zoom Interviews.
December 16, 2024 Eighth Meeting of the Search Committee by videoconference.
January 2025
January 13, 2025 Presidential Transition Team Formed.
January 21, 2025 Initial meeting of the transition team.
February 2025
February 07-09, 2025 Tentative Airport Interviews.
February 10, 2025 Nineth Meeting of the Search Committee by videoconference.
February 18, 2025 Fourth Report of the committee to the CU BOG.
February 24-March 07, 2025 Semi-Finalist Zoom Interviews with the CUBOG (Selection Committee).
March 2025
March 10, 2025 Finalists announced.
March 17-29, 2025 On Campus Interviews & Solicitation of Candidate Evaluations.
March 31, 2025 Second meeting of the Transition Team.
April 2025
April 3, 2025 Final meeting of the search committee by videoconference.
April 15, 2025 Fifth Report from the committee to the CU BOG.
April 23, 2025 Celebration of Dr. Boggess’ Accomplishments.
April 30, 2025 Announcement of Concord University’s 13th President.
May 2025
May 2025 Third meeting of the Transition Team.
June 2025
June 2025 Transition Meetings with stakeholders.
July 2025
July 2025 Transition Meetings with stakeholders.
July 28, 2025 Campus Retirement Party for Dr. Boggess in the State Room.
August 2025
August 2025 New President’s Inauguration (Date to be Determined).

There are no updates at this time.