Rochelle “Rocky” S. Goodwin, former director of state operations for Sen. Jay Rockefeller, has joined West Virginia University as senior associate vice president for academic and public strategy, Provost Joyce McConnell announced Wednesday (March 17).

In her new role, Goodwin will be responsible for working with faculty and stakeholders on the formation, direction and funding of the new John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics, particularly as it relates to identifying opportunities to perform service, providing technical assistance and conducting research.

She will also advise and assist the provost in connecting the School and other interdisciplinary centers with the needs of West Virginia.

“Rocky is a skilled public sector leader with experience in government services, policy work and communications,” McConnell said. “During her nine years with Sen. Rockefeller, she managed constituent services and outreach for thousands of West Virginians, community projects and grants, economic development services and so much more. She is also innovative and collaborative – two important qualities to be successful in this interdisciplinary unit.”

WVU officials announced the renaming of the Rockefeller School last November. At that time, Sen. Rockefeller also declared the University Libraries the “forever home” to nearly 30 years of personal and professional papers and memorabilia related to his public service to the citizens of West Virginia (his papers prior to 1985 are in the state archives).

Prior to her work with Sen. Rockefeller, Goodwin was statewide pro bono director of Legal Aid of West Virginia.

Early in her career, she was recognized by the West Virginia State Bar with the Young Lawyer of the Year award and served as a volunteer with AmeriCorps.

She is a native West Virginian and a graduate of Marietta College and the WVU College of Law.

In addition to Goodwin’s appointment, WVU President Gordon Gee announced that the University’s government relations will be consolidated under Rob Alsop in his role as vice president for legal and governmental affairs and entrepreneurial engagement.

“As the government landscape at all levels continues to change, WVU will be well positioned to make the most of the opportunities under Rob’s very astute and steady leadership,” Gee said. Jay Cole will continue as senior advisor to the president and will lead the Center for Big Ideas, while also researching, teaching and writing about public policy, particularly Rockefeller’s impact.

“With the Rockefeller School and the Senator’s archives now at WVU, Jay Cole is excited to devote more time to studying and sharing the policy legacy of another of our Jay’s – Jay Rockefeller,” Gee said. “At the same time, the Center for Big Ideas will play a lead role in harnessing WVU’s land-grant power to transform the state, and he is the perfect person for both of these important initiatives.”

-WVU-

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