BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Goux as the new Director of the Center for Cultural and International Affairs.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Goux relocated to West Virginia in 2009 and brings over 16 years of experience in higher education, beginning at Columbia College Chicago. For the past decade, she served as adjunct faculty in fine and performing arts at Davis and Elkins College, where she also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts.

Goux is a lifelong advocate for intercultural understanding through the arts, education, and community engagement. As a protégé of dance masters Jimmy Payne Sr. (Afro-Cuban dance) and Tommy Gomez in the Katherine Dunham Technique—a dance form rooted in diasporic cultural traditions—Goux has traveled, taught, and performed across diverse communities, fostering dialogue across cultural boundaries.

In her new role, Goux will work collaboratively with campus and community partners to promote global awareness, support international students, and expand opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.

“I am honored to step into this role and look forward to building meaningful connections that celebrate our diverse cultural heritage while preparing students to engage thoughtfully with the world around them,” Goux said.