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Dr. Jeff Abernathy Appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the College and Professor of English at Wesleyan
released: 03/21/03
West Virginia Wesleyan College President William R. Haden has appointed Dr. Jeff Abernathy as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. In making the appointment, President Haden said, “Our Academic Dean Search Committee was unanimous in its support and enthusiasm for Dr. Abernathy’s appointment.”

Abernathy is currently Associate Dean and Associate Professor of English at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. Among his responsibilities there, he oversees 17 academic departments, addresses retention through work with at-risk students, and administers the college convocation, study abroad, and Breakaway programs.

Abernathy holds a B. A. from Longwood College, and M. A. from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. His book, To Hell and Back: Race and Betrayal in the Southern Novel, will be published in the fall of this year by the University of Georgia Press. This study of the construction of race in American culture takes its title from a central story thread in Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Huck, who resolves to "go to hell" rather than turn over the runaway slave Jim, in time betrays his companion.

Abernathy expressed his enthusiasm for Wesleyan in a recent conversation: “West Virginia Wesleyan is a college with a rich tradition of excellence in the liberal arts, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to join the Wesleyan community at this important moment in its history,” he remarked.

“So much at Wesleyan speaks to its excellence: a dynamic and engaged faculty, exceptional administrative leadership, a strong student body, good alumni support, and a beautiful campus. I am eager to join with all in the Wesleyan community as we work to continue to develop a challenging and diverse educational environment for Wesleyan students. When I visited the campus in February, I was inspired by the enthusiasm of so many on campus: students, faculty, and administrators alike all spoke passionately about the core values of the Wesleyan community. It is with much joy that I come to join that community.”

Dr. Abernathy is a native of Richmond, Virginia. His interests include whitewater kayaking, skiing, and running. “As a cross country skier and a whitewater kayaker, I have loved the Appalachian Mountains for as long as I can remember,” stated Abernathy. “The natural beauty of West Virginia has always attracted me.”

President Haden concluded by noting that Abernathy's “solid experience as a faculty member and academic administrator, along with his skills in encouraging broad discussion of ideas and seeking consensus, makes him a good match for our College.” Dr. Abernathy's appointment will become effective June 1, 2003.