WVU has selected Beverly Wendland as its new provost and vice president for academic affairs. Wendland brings a wealth of experience from Washington University in St. Louis, where she served in various leadership roles, including provost.
President Michael T. Benson expressed confidence in Wendland’s abilities, stating, “Beverly is a nationally recognized cell biologist with a strong background in academia.” He believes her scientific approach will enhance the university’s leadership, bridging all academic fields from STEM to the arts. This teamwork is vital as West Virginia University moves forward into a new chapter.
Wendland also shared her excitement about the role. “I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff, and students to support academic excellence across disciplines,” she said. Her goal is to strengthen the university’s impact on West Virginia and the surrounding communities.
In her previous roles, Wendland emphasized improving student learning and engaging the community. Under her guidance, Washington University made significant strides in academic excellence and research while rolling out a strategic plan that included the establishment of a School of Public Health.
Before joining Washington University, she was the Dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. Wendland has deep ties to higher education, having been part of Johns Hopkins since 1998 and serving as chair of the Biology Department from 2009 to 2014.
Her academic credentials are impressive: she earned her bachelor’s in bioengineering from the University of California, San Diego, and a Ph.D. in neurosciences from Stanford. Wendland’s research on cell mechanisms provides insights into critical health issues like heart disease and cancer.
Additionally, Wendland has been involved with the Board of Directors for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, which is associated with the Washington University School of Medicine. This role allowed her to contribute to a facility recognized as the top hospital in Missouri by U.S. News & World Report.
The Provost Search Committee worked diligently to find the right candidate, co-chaired by Diana Davis and Evan Widders, with support from Greenwood Asher & Associates. Wendland will be part of the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and will connect with the campus community leading up to her official start on July 1, 2026.
This new chapter at WVU comes at a crucial time, as universities today face various challenges, including evolving educational trends and the need for community engagement. Wendland’s experience could play a key role in shaping WVU’s academic future as it navigates these changes.
For more on WVU initiatives, you can visit WVU’s official site.
