West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s academic dean will become interim president of the college next month.

Joseph Badgley, dean of academic affairs, will begin his term July 1 following the departure of Erik Bitterbaum. Bitterbaum has accepted the presidency at State University of New York College at Cortland. He has served as president at the Parkersburg campus since 2000.

“President Hardesty and I are pleased that Dr. Badgley has agreed to serve in the position of interim campus president for the coming academic year,”said Gerald Lang, West Virginia University provost.

“Joe is well respected on campus and in the community,”Lang added.”His knowledge of WVU -P gives the campus a dedicated leader to oversee a smooth transition in administration for the coming year.”

Badgley will continue as academic dean in addition to his role as interim president.

“I welcome the opportunity and am honored to serve in this interim capacity,”Badgley said.”WVU Parkersburg has made great strides under Erik’s leadership and I hope to maintain the momentum he created.”

Badgley has been at the Parkersburg campus since 1974. He received his bachelor’s degree in education from Glenville State College and his master’s degree and doctorate from WVU . He first joined the Parkersburg faculty as an education professor, become the first chair of the college’s Education Division in 1989, and was appointed academic dean in 2000. Badgley serves on the board of directors of the Appalachia Educational Laboratory and represents education employees on the state’s Public Employees Insurance Agency Finance Board.

WVU Parkersburg is a regional campus of WVU and offers a blend of academic, transfer, technical and career programs ranging from certificates to selected baccalaureate degrees. Approximately 3,500 students enroll each semester at the Parkersburg campus. The college employs 91 full-time faculty and 106 classified and administrative staff.