BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Board of Trustees recently voted to extend the contract of President Dr. James Moore through June 30, 2032, a move that affirms the institution’s confidence in his leadership and vision for the College’s future.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce our unanimous decision to extend Dr. Moore’s contract through June 30, 2032,” said Kevin Spear, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. “This renewal reflects our deep confidence in Dr. Moore’s ability to continue to elevate our College, strengthen its academic programs, and further its ongoing mission of excellence in serving the needs of our region.”

Moore came to West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2006, serving as Director of Jazz Ensembles and Professor of Music. He then was appointed to Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty for five years. The board appointed Moore as interim president of West Virginia Wesleyan in 2022, making it official in 2023.

Since stepping into the presidency, Moore has continually underscored the role West Virginia Wesleyan College has to play in Appalachia by working to solve problems such as the demand for more clinical mental health counselors and health care professionals. 

Moore played a pivotal role in securing transformative partnerships and investments including the $1.2 million collaborative gift from Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Community Care of West Virginia to launch the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

WVWC recently announced the establishment of a new LPN to RN pathway program utilizing the Battlers Knob campus in
Philippi. Students will start the mostly online program with in-person clinicals at WVWC their first semester and then transition to the Battler’s Knob campus for the remainder of the program. 

A partnership with Mon Health System/Vandalia Health guarantees scholarships and employment for WVWC nursing graduates. There has also been the expansion of local and regional collaborations with Upshur County Schools, Valley Health, Behavioral Health Associates, City of Buckhannon/Colonial Arts Center, and Notre Dame High School.

Total enrollment has grown by 10% since 2022, marking two consecutive years of increased enrollment and a projected continuation of that growth into Fall 2025. The most significant increase has come at the graduate level. Graduate program enrollment has increased by 40 percent since 2023 with the introduction of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, new addiction and recovery certificate, and executive (online) MBA programs. 

This fall, WVWC will welcome its first Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity students to campus.

Campus and facility enhancements have also flourished during Moore’s tenure. Thanks to generous donations from alumni, new multi-purpose stadium lighting at the Cebe Ross Field has been installed allowing the return of nighttime games and events at the stadium. Seating upgrades at Rockefeller Gymnasium will be complete in the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Renovations at McCuskey Hall and upgrades to the French A. See Dining Center, including new seating and flooring (set for Fall 2025 completion) were also made. The tennis complex received new enhancement including a striking Wesleyan-themed resurfacing and a new scoreboard. WVWC’s iconic Wesley Chapel steeple received a much-needed refresh. 

Moore oversaw a reimagining of the Office of Advancement, resulting in the highest Wesleyan Fund total in 20 years – with all donor gifts directly benefiting students. With Moore’s leadership, there has been the reestablishment of alumni trust and engagement, achieving 50% growth in the College’s alumni participation rate.  Due to Moore’s vision, the Office of Advancement also recently spearheaded the creation of the Wesleyan Athletics Endowment, ensuring long-term support for WVWC athletic programs. 

Moore said, “I am humbled and honored that the Board of Trustees has affirmed their confidence in the great work we’re doing at WVWC. Since 2006, this place has been my home and my passion, and I am excited to continue to be a member of this community for the next seven years.”

With this renewed leadership, West Virginia Wesleyan College remains committed to providing a transformative educational experience that supports its students, faculty, and the broader Appalachian region.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu