State higher education system names Paul L. Hill as Chancellor

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission news release
May 21, 2012

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – At the Spring quarterly meeting of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), which was held at the West Virginia Regional Technology Park on Friday, May 18, 2012, Dr. Paul L. Hill was named Chancellor of the state’s higher education system.  

In accepting the position at Friday’s meeting, Dr. Hill said, “It is an extreme honor and privilege to be selected to serve as Chancellor.  As a native West Virginian, I am a firm believer that the state’s most critical need is to create new opportunities for the future.  All of us here today are working to create opportunities for current and future students both in the classroom and, subsequently, in the workforce.”  Dr. Hill added, “Through my previous service at the Commission and my recent appointment as Interim Chancellor, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and determination of the Governor, the Legislature, the Commission, and the institutions in serving the state and its people.”

In his remarks, Dr. Hill also discussed the power of education.  “I wholeheartedly believe that education — and particularly higher education — is the key to individual prosperity, fulfillment, growth, and lifelong success.  My own story is a reflection of the power of education from my humble beginnings as a first-generation college student from rural West Virginia to standing before you here today.”

In closing, Dr. Hill pledged to lead the state’s higher education system through strong collaboration and enduring partnerships.  “As Chancellor, I pledge to represent the Commission and its member institutions at local, state, regional, and national levels.  I pledge to work with the campuses to chart the future for the state’s higher education system and assist in promoting institutional needs and requests.”

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin applauded the Commission’s selection of Dr. Hill.  Governor Tomblin stated, “As an accomplished scientist, a former presidential appointee, and, most recently, director of the state’s science and research programs, Dr. Hill has demonstrated an impressive record of public service at the state and federal level.  His breadth of knowledge and depth of understanding regarding the pivotal role education plays in enhancing the lives of our citizens and creating a robust economy will allow him to provide exemplary leadership for our state’s higher education system.  As a native West Virginian and a product of West Virginia’s public education system, Dr. Hill exemplifies the ingenuity, drive, energy, and work ethic inherent in our state’s citizens.  I am confident he will strive to provide unprecedented opportunities for West Virginians to develop their talents and achieve their dreams through postsecondary education.”

Dr. Brian Noland served as Chancellor from June 2006 to January 2012, at which time he became the 9th President of East Tennessee State University.  As a result, Dr. Hill was named as Chancellor on an interim basis while the Commission launched a national search for a permanent leader under the direction of the Chancellor Search Committee (Committee) and with assistance from Dr. James McCormick of AGB Search.  The Committee recommended three semi-finalist candidates who were interviewed by the full Commission on May 17, 2012.  In unanimously selecting Dr. Hill as Chancellor at the May 18, 2012 meeting, the Commission delegated to Chairman David Hendrickson the authority to enter into a contract with Dr. Hill under the terms and conditions discussed by the Commission.

About the Commission
The Commission is responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the state’s four-year colleges and universities. It is charged with oversight of higher education institutions to ensure they are accomplishing their missions and implementing the provisions set by state statute.  It is comprised of ten members, seven members appointed by the Governor and three ex-officio members: Secretary of Education and the Arts; State Superintendent of Schools; and Chair of the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education. The Commission employs a staff of about seventy individuals across the following divisions: Academic Affairs; Administrative Services; Chancellor’s Office; Finance and Facilities; Financial Aid; Health Sciences; Human Resources; Legal Services; Policy and Planning; Science and Research; and Student Success and P-20 Initiatives.

About Chancellor Hill
Dr. Paul L. Hill was named Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission on May 18, 2012.  He previously served as Interim Chancellor beginning in January 2012 and as Vice Chancellor for Science and Research beginning in 2007. As Vice Chancellor for Science and Research, Dr. Hill oversaw the receipt and administration of more than $50 million in federal research funding and $76 million in state research investments. He served as Executive Director of the West Virginia Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (WVEPSCoR), a state infrastructure program of the National Science Foundation (NSF), and helped create and manage a number of competitive research programs with academic institutions throughout the state, including: the West Virginia Research Trust Fund, commonly known as “Bucks for Brains,” the West Virginia Research Challenge Fund, and West Virginia Eminent Scholars initiative. He formerly held a position at West Virginia University in Research and Economic Development and served as an adjunct faculty member in biology at the University of Charleston.  Before joining WVEPSCoR in 2001, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, appointed by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Dr. Hill has more than 25 years of experience in academic research, grant administration, public policy and management, and has held CEO positions in state, federal, and private organizations.  In addition, Dr. Hill is active in numerous state and federal committees, boards and commissions, including the West Virginia Science and Research Council; West Virginia Commission on International Education; EPSCoR Program Directors Council (past chairman); national EPSCoR/IDeA Foundation Board (chairman); EPSCoR 2030 Workshop (project chair); Mid-Atlantic Technology, Research, and Innovation Center (MATRIC) Board of Directors; Hawaii EPSCoR State Committee; Iowa EPSCoR State Committee; Hawaii EPSCoR Monitoring and Assessment Panel (past chairman); A Vision Shared-West Virginia Technology-Based Economic Development (TBED) Council; Marshall University Research Corporation; West Virginia Commission on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Graduate Education; and West Virginia University College of Engineering Visiting Committee (2004-2007).

He has been a U.S. delegate to the Organization for Economic and Community Development in Europe and served on both the New York City Environmental Protection Council and the U.S. EPA’s Council on the Clean Air Act. Dr. Hill was an invited participant in the development of the NSF EPSCoR 2020 Report and has provided congressional testimony on science and technology policy on numerous occasions. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS).

A native West Virginian, Dr. Hill holds degrees from Marshall University (B.S. and M.S.) and the University of Louisville (Ph.D.) in biology and chemistry. He studied at the University of Louisville’s Systems Science Institute, where his research emphasis was environmental chemistry and ecological systems.

Supporting Quotes

“Paul has been a dynamic leader for West Virginia’s science and research enterprise, and I know he can do marvelous things at the helm of our public higher education system. I’ve had the honor of knowing and working with him for years. In his role as state EPSCoR director, I’ve been proud to work side-by-side with him to bring competitive research and science education opportunities to new heights in West Virginia. And I’m eager to see what he has in store to bring postsecondary education to that next level for West Virginians of all backgrounds. With pressing higher education issues and incredible opportunities at the Regional Technology Park, I look forward to our continued work together – and I congratulate him on this terrific achievement.” – The Honorable Jay Rockefeller, Member, U.S. Senate

“Dr. Paul Hill brings extensive knowledge of our state’s educational institutions as well as expertise in academic research and public policy.  It was truly a pleasure to work with Paul when I was governor, and I am confident that he will lead HEPC with the same dedication and commitment to our students and our economic future. Paul understands the importance of a world-class education system, and his impressive work with WVEPSCoR and Bucks for Brains are great examples of how education directly relates to economic development.” – The Honorable Joe Manchin, Member, U.S. Senate

“Dr. Hill has been a tremendous and effective leader throughout his accomplished career.   I know he will bring enthusiasm and expertise as he takes on his official role as Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.  If America wishes to remain competitive, we must prepare our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in the global economy.  West Virginia is fortunate to have Dr. Hill leading the efforts to provide our students with the best educational opportunities possible.” – The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. House of Representatives

“I extend my utmost congratulations to Dr. Paul Hill on his recent appointment to lead the Higher Education Policy Commission as Chancellor.  I have known Paul for many years, personally and professionally, and have the greatest respect for both his character and his abilities.  I have no doubt that he will continue to be a fine leader, guiding our higher education institutions as they provide the academic and career training that will prepare our student population to succeed in tomorrow’s economy.” – The Honorable Robert H. Plymale, Member, West Virginia State Senate

“Dr. Hill is an excellent choice based on his background in research as well as in the instructional aspect of higher education.  His selection will make for a smooth transition due to his previous administrative experience, along with his established rapport with the Legislature, college presidents, and Policy Commission staff.” – The Honorable Mary Poling, Member, West Virginia House of Delegates

“Congratulations to Dr. Hill on his appointment as Chancellor of the Higher Education Policy Commission.  I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Hill in the past, and I look forward to working with him in the future as the Community and Technical College System and the Higher Education Policy Commission collaborate to move higher education forward.  We both have the same goals for West Virginia, and we will work together to reach those goals.” – Jim Skidmore, Chancellor, Community and Technical College System of West Virginia

“I am very pleased that Dr. Paul Hill has been selected by the WV Higher Education Policy Commission as the new Chancellor. I have known Paul for about 10 years and worked with him during my time with HEPC.  This is good for the WV higher education system and for the people of the state of WV.” – Tom Blevins, Interim President, Bluefield State College

In selecting Dr. Hill as Chancellor, the HEPC made an outstanding choice.  I have worked with Dr. Hill for some time and find him to be very insightful regarding the state and its higher education system.  I look forward to working with Dr. Hill and members of the HEPC to advance Concord University, Southern West Virginia, and the entire State of West Virginia. – Greg Aloia, President, Concord University

“On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of Fairmont State University, I would like to congratulate Chancellor Hill on this new role. I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Hill to support West Virginia’s current and future students. The power of a higher education degree is that it can create opportunities you never dared to imagine.” – Maria Rose, President, Fairmont State University

“Dr. Hill brings a wealth of experience in research and higher education leadership to this role – a now-familiar one for him. Marshall is proud to call Dr. Hill an alumnus and delighted he and HEPC share the goal of helping more West Virginians attain a college degree and improving the success rate of our college students.” – Steve Kopp, President, Marshall University

“I look forward to working with Chancellor Hill to strengthen higher education in West Virginia.” – Suzanne Shipley, President, Shepherd University

“We’re thrilled with the selection of Dr. Paul Hill as the new chancellor for higher education. He has been a passionate advocate for the development of science and technology in our state. Advancing knowledge through academic, clinical and basic science research is a core component of WVSOM’s mission and we’re excited to work with Dr. Hill as he brings new vigor and ideas to the development of higher education in West Virginia.  We congratulate him on his appointment.” – Michael Adelman, President, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

“Congratulations to Dr. Hill on his selection as chancellor of the Higher Education Policy Commission. We look forward to continuing to work with him on our joint goals of providing the best education, health care, research and outreach possible for the people of West Virginia. His understanding of the needs of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and his support of research in general and specific work on the Research Trust Fund, are especially key as we move forward in serving West Virginia.” – Jim Clements, President, West Virginia University

“On behalf of the WVU Tech community, I want to congratulate Dr. Hill on his appointment. Thanks to his dedication, and the work efforts of the Revitalization Committee, the HEPC, WVU and the WVU Tech faculty, staff and students, I am very excited about the future of Tech! I look forward to our continued work together.” – Carolyn Long, Campus Executive Officer, West Virginia University Institute of Technology