Wheatly ‘perfect fit’ for WVU

Michelle Wheatly, dean of Wright State University’s College of Science and Mathematics, was named West Virginia University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs Wednesday.

University President James P. Clements announced her appointment to a full room in the Betty Boyd Lounge at E. Moore Hall.

"(Wheatly) is very passionate about joining this team," Clements said. "She understands sharing, responsibility and accountability and very much wants to be with us here in Morgantown."

Clements said he was left with a favorable impression after calling Wheatly’s list of references. Her colleagues said she had a heart of gold, was respected by chairs and faculty and is absolutely ready to be a provost, among other things, Clements said.

"It’s difficult to find words to express my appreciation," Wheatly said. "I am humbled at the trust and confidence you have placed in me through this process."

Wheatly’s family travelled to Morgantown for the announcement.

Her husband, Stan Smith, plans to retire to concentrate on the family’s transition from Ohio to West Virginia. They have three children – one son, Skip, 18, and twin daughters, Reva and Mari, 15.

A strange mixture of feelings ran through Wheatly on Wednesday. While she said she was "tremendously excited," she added there is always fear when moving into larger, new territory.

"It reminds me about the times in your life when you’re a little bit cautious about taking a gargantuan step," she said.

Wheatly is the third administrative role filled at the University since March, when Clements was appointed.

The second, Christopher C. Colenda, was named Chancellor of the Health Sciences Center in August.

"This appointment will continue to build on the great administrative team that is based on collaboration, partnership and community innovation," said Carolyn Long, chair of the University’s Board of Governors.

Wheatly pointed out that although she has yet to meet Colenda, she sees pride and humility in the administrative trio.

"This is a place where you have poise, everybody is articulate and more importantly, you are passionate about this place and the great state of West Virginia," Wheatly said. "West Virginia University is a class act."

Student Government Association Vice President Whitney Rae Peters, also a member of the search committee, said when Wheatly talked about class at WVU, it brought her appointment full circle.

"Whenever we interviewed candidates at the airport, we had to give one word to describe each candidate after they left," she said. "The word I used for (Wheatly) was classy and she talked about being a class act and WVU being a class act."

Wheatly’s experiences with research, administration, teaching and mentoring made her stand out, according to Rudolph Almasy, chair of the provost search committee.

"I think that’s one of the reasons why she rose to the top," he said. "No matter where you turned, she had an interest, she had an accomplishment, she had a connection. She knew what she was talking about."

Wheatly will assume the provost job Jan. 1 and will earn $295,000 annually.

"Welcome to West Virginia, and especially welcome to West Virginia University," Long said to Wheatly. "The most magnificent place you will have ever served."

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