Hello

I am a native of Moundsville, West Virginia and currently serve as a Senior Consultant at Collegiate Consulting in Atlanta, GA. From 2019 through 2023, I had the honor of serving as the President of Bluefield State University, a historically black college. During my tenure, I focused on improving the college's fiscal health, increasing enrollment, and fostering community engagement. We achieved significant milestones, such as obtaining university status, offering the institution's first graduate degree, and introducing new health science programs.

 

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Bluefield State University experienced remarkable growth in enrollment and campus diversity, with the percentage of African-American students rising from 6% to 30%. We also made impressive financial strides, improving our cumulative financial index from last to second in the state, and expanding campus assets through strategic acquisitions.

 

During my time as President, we opened campus housing, implemented a more efficient budget process, and successfully raised significant funds through focused fundraising efforts. I placed great importance on the well-being of our faculty and staff, providing raises and establishing the Emerging Scholars Program to support high-achieving students. Additionally, we enhanced our athletic programs, resulting in our successful transition into the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. These accomplishments reflect a period of growth, diversity, and success under my leadership at Bluefield State University.

 

Prior to my role at Bluefield State, I served as the president of West Liberty University for eight years. It was a rewarding experience, characterized by record enrollment and fundraising achievements. During my tenure, we witnessed significant growth, including the construction of a state-of-the-art health sciences building and the establishment of the college's graduate physician assistant program, a first for a regional college or university in West Virginia. Our university's budget also experienced substantial growth, enabling us to rise in the rankings from Tier 3 to Tier 1, according to U.S. News and World Report. These successes were the result of strategic initiatives implemented by my office and outlined in our university's strategic plan, "Distinction and Distinctiveness: A Strategic Plan for West Liberty University."

 

Beyond my legal career, I have pursued various creative endeavors, including producing motion pictures, authoring books, and writing stage and screenplays. I have also contributed to a national tax publication as a member of its editorial staff and had the opportunity to play the role of a sports reporter in the movie "We Are Marshall."

 

Academically, I am a graduate of John Marshall High School, where I am honored to have been inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. I hold a magna cum laude degree from West Virginia University, where I am a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa. I obtained my law degree from WVU and pursued further studies at Georgetown University, earning a graduate law degree in taxation. As a Fulbright Scholar, I had the privilege of teaching at a law school in the Republic of Moldova.

 

Currently, I reside in Johnson City, TN, with my wife, Dr. Amanda Banks, who is a faculty member at East Tennessee State University.