The Hon. James J. Rowe (Class of72) of Lewisburg is joining the 18-member Board of Directors of the West Virginia University Alumni Association. He was elected to a five-year term representing West Virginia District Five at the associations recent annual meeting. Judge Rowe succeeds Stephen P. Goodwin (Class of69) of Mt. Alto.

A dedicated supporter of WVU in the Greenbrier Valley, Judge Rowe served most recently as a member of the chapters steering committee.

“My life is richer thanks to the experiences I had at WVU ,”Rowe said.”I am honored to have the opportunity of giving something back.”

Stephen Douglas, chief executive officer of the association, said,”The alumni association board is a hard working group. Judge Rowe has proven he loves the University and will work to accomplish our mission. We are thrilled that such a distinguished individual will be joining us in serving the greater university community.”

Currently, Rowe presides over West Virginias Eleventh Circuit Court, hearing cases from Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties. He is a former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and a former partner in the law firm of Haynes, Ford&Rowe.

He received his bachelors degree from WVU in 1972 and earned a law degree from George Mason University.

He and his wife, Sharon, a 1973 alumna of WVU , are the parents of two daughters.

Other board newcomers include Todd Beckwith, Class of70, Martinsburg, and Michael S. Garrison Class of91 and96 (JD), of Charleston.

The WVU Alumni Association, chartered in 1873, represents more than 140,000 university graduates residing in every county in West Virginia, every state in the union and approximately 60 foreign nations. With nearly 100 registered chapters and constituent groups, the associations 26,000 dues-paying members support Homecoming Weekend, the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni and dozens of other social and philanthropic programs.