News

University of Charleston announces new President

From the University of Charleston website

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (December 15, 2017) - The University of Charleston (UC) today announced the election of Dr. Martin S. Roth to become its 26th President to succeed Dr. Edwin Welch upon his retirement on June 30, 2018.    

Dr. Roth currently serves as Dean of the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford.  While leading the Barney School, Roth has guided increases in enrollments, program innovation, corporate partnerships, alumni engagement and fundraising.  He previously was the Chair of the International Business Department and the Chief Innovation & Assessment Officer at the University of South Carolina. His very accomplished career includes assignments as the Associate Director of Research at the Pittsburgh Research Institute for Studies in Marketing, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Boston College, and consulting work with CSX, Nissan, Verizon, Xerox and other global firms.  

The selection of Dr. Roth was the result of an extensive search conducted over the past six months. An 11-member committee of the UC campus community, including Trustees, alumni, students, faculty and staff, managed the search process with the help of a nationally recognized search firm.  The Search Committee was led by Trustee Pat Graney, who noted, "This was a very rigorous search process and I am gratified at the large number of very accomplished people who were interested in serving as President of UC. This confirms to me that the reputation UC has established as a leader in higher education extends far beyond this community."

Henry Harmon, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, also commented, "I am confident that we have selected a strong new leader for the University, one who will both preserve the great tradition of excellence established under Ed Welch's leadership and lead our efforts to innovate and grow the institution."

A native of Pittsburgh, he and his wife, Lynn, have two daughters and currently reside in Hartford, Connecticut.  “I am excited and honored to join the University of Charleston community,” said Roth.  “The focus on professional programs, innovation, and community engagement sets the University apart. With the outstanding faculty and staff, I look forward to building on UC’s impressive momentum to create exceptional value for students and partner organizations.”  The University plans to introduce the Roth's to the Charleston community at an event in January.

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