Fletcher Lamkin: Outgoing WVU-P president deserves praise
Wood County residents should join the board and staff of West Virginia University at Parkersburg in extending their gratitude to WVU-P President Fletcher Lamkin, who announced this week he plans to step down to return to his previous post at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.
Lamkin and the team he led have done incredible work at WVU-P. From the streamlined Student Services Center to getting the school’s finances in order to approving the first employee pay raise in years, the leadership that has been in place for the past couple of years has truly righted the ship.
“As a result of his leadership, the college has instituted many academic improvements and dramatically improved its appearance and functionality,” said Chairman of the WVU-P Board of Governors Sam Winans. “We are on strong financial footing, and our students enjoy the highest retention in the West Virginia CTC system.”
Certainly no one can accuse Lamkin of leaving a mess that will need to be cleaned up. In fact, finding a successor who can sustain that kind of growth and strength may prove a challenge for the search team.
Meanwhile, local residents realize how important it is to have a quality post-secondary education available so close to home; and should thank Lamkin for his part in ensuring local students have access to the education they need, without breaking the bank.
Though we cannot help but wish his path had kept him in Parkersburg just a bit longer, we also wish Lamkin well on his return to Missouri; and thank him for his service to WVU-P.