Brian O. Hemphill
West Virginia State University announced its Board of Governors has chosen Dr. Brian O. Hemphill, NIU vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, to become the university’s 10th president in July following a nationwide search.
Hemphill will succeed Dr. Hazo W. Carter Jr., who will retire as WVSU’s president on June 30 after 25 years as president.
“This unique and unexpected opportunity to serve the WVSU community was one that I had to consider very carefully, and I did not consider it lightly,” Hemphill says. “My time at Northern Illinois University has been life-changing, filled with rich experience, and personally and professionally gratifying. It has been my privilege to serve the students and community of Northern Illinois University for the past eight years.”
“Dr. Hemphill has been an important part of the Huskie family for the past eight years, and he leaves NIU with a lasting legacy as the architect of our innovative Vision 2020 enrollment management plans. Brian’s mantra regarding enrollment as key to NIU’s future has been ‘Failure is not an option.’ He leaves NIU with a strong, focused, enrollment management plan and team,” says NIU President John G. Peters. “We wish him all the best in this new endeavor.”
Provost Raymond Alden also praised Hemphill’s accomplishments at NIU.
“Dr. Hemphill’s poise and leadership during challenging times are certainly among his many strengths. His innovative student affairs and enrollment management initiatives will serve as guideposts as the university moves forward with its Vision 2020 plans.”
Dr. Hemphill will remain at NIU through June 30 as transition plans are finalized.
