Michael S. Garrison, who will become West Virginia Universitys 22nd president in September, became president-elect June 30 and will be on the job at the University starting today (July 2). He will have a desk in historic Stewart Hallbut says hell spend most of the transition period outside the office, getting to know WVU faculty, staff and students.

Ive heard from hundreds of people who say they want to help,said Garrison.Im going to make sure that everyone on campusand WVU s alumni and supportershas an opportunity to take part in the transition, to bring new ideas forward, and to contribute toward the future success of WVU and its students.

Garrison appointed seven people to lead the transition steering committee.

This will be the operational group for the transitionthey will help build out the groups interested in specific concerns or ideas about WVU s future,Garrison said.

Garrison said the group will plan a series of forumsboth on campus and around the statewhere people can take part in the transition. An online conversation will allow people who cannot attend the forums to participate.

The committee includes: Provost Gerald Lang, Ph.D.; Jennifer Fisher, Ph.D., chief of staff to President David C. Hardesty Jr.; Craig Walker, vice president of the WVU Foundation; Narvel G. Weese, Jr., WVU vice president for administration and finance; Chris Martin, WVU vice president for university advancement and marketing; Alex Macia, a WVU graduate and attorney with the Charleston office of Spilman, Thomas and Battle; and Bill Case, director of public information for the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center.

All of these people have one thing in commonthey are dedicated to the success of West Virginia University and its students, faculty and staff,Garrison said.I have charged them with creating ways for each member of the WVU community to contribute to our future through the transition process.

WVU is a successful institution because so many people care about it and give of themselves to make it better,he added.But we cant continue to succeed without reviewing what were doing, examining unmet needs, and resetting our course from time to time. The transition process is an opportunity for the University as a whole to join in that process.

Garrison said he is very pleased that Lang, Martin, and Weese will continue their roles in University administration and that Fisher will stay on as the executive officer for policy development. Walker will serve as Garrison’s chief of staff; Macia will become the University’s vice president for legal affairs; and Case will serve as executive officer for communications.