CHARLESTON – A attorney with Ray, Winton and Kelley PLLC has been named to the West Virginia State University Board of Governors.
Mark Kelley was appointed to the WVSU Board of Governors with an immediate appointment that that fills an unexpired term. The term will end June 30, 2017.
“As an alum of the university, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with President (Anthony) Jenkins and the talented men and women on West Virginia State University's Board of Governors to continue the success and momentum that State has experienced over the last four years,” Kelley told The West Virginia Record. “I've been privileged to serve on the Board of the West Virginia State University Foundation for several years and look forward to also serving my alma mater as a member of the Board of Governors.”
The WVSU Board of Governors oversees policy issues and affairs related to the university. In his role as a member of the Board of Governors, Kelley will have responsibility for approving academic programs as well as reviewing the finances of the school.
“I take this appointment very seriously as I truly believe West Virginia State University is a benefit to the Kanawha Valley, the state of West Virginia, and to students all around the world,” said Kelley. “This position enables me to work with the other board members and the administration to continue to provide high-quality, affordable education to our current and future students.”
While on the Board of Governors, Keeley will be involved with the Institutional Advancement, Recruitment and Retention, and Academic Policy Committees. The Institutional Advancement Committee oversees fundraising for the university as well as community involvement while through the Recruitment and Retention Committee, Kelley will help manage the recruitment and retention programs at the university and their effectiveness. In the Academic Policy Committees, Kelley will review and make recommendations on new program approvals, program reviews, baccalaureate matters, and graduate education matters.
“As Dr. Ann Brothers Smith, chair of the Board of Governors, has appointed me to the Institutional Advancement, Recruitment and Retention and Academic Policy Committees, I look forward to expanding my understanding of the operations of the university,” said Kelley. “I hope my personal experiences and desire to see West Virginia State University excel will enhance an already esteemed board. Being on WVSU's Foundation Board since July 1, 2003, I am positive I can be a benefit to these three committees.”
Kelley is a graduate of the WVSU as well as West Virginia University College of Law. During his time at WVSU, Kelley was president of the Student Government Association. He currently practices law at Ray, Winton and Kelley PLLC mainly in the areas of domestic relations, commercial litigation, and estate litigation. He belongs to the West Virginia State Bar, the American Bar Association, the American Association of Justice, the West Virginia Association of Justice and the Family Law Committee of the State Bar.
“West Virginia State University is a pillar in the community,” said Kelley. “With the various educational offerings that are available through the growth of its academic programs, fully online degrees and its expanded research, the university is truly an economic driver for the valley, state and region. The university educates the leaders of today and tomorrow to the meet the needs of both the current economy and the diversification of the future workforce."