KEYSER, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia University Potomac State College (PSC) has named Jerry Wallace, a seasoned leader in higher education, as its next president.
Wallace, currently president of Danville Community College in Danville, Virginia, will officially assume his new role on Dec. 1.
WVU President Gordon Gee expressed optimism about Wallace’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience.
“I am excited to welcome Jerry Wallace to West Virginia University,” Gee said. “He brings with him a unique blend of experience and leadership that will position WVU Potomac State College to grow and better serve students and communities across the Mountain State.”
Wallace’s tenure at Danville Community College, which began in 2022, has been marked by six consecutive semesters of enrollment growth, increased community outreach, and the introduction of various workforce training initiatives.
Prior to this, he served as president of Central Community College’s Hastings Campus in Nebraska, where he launched programs promoting volunteerism and an apprenticeship program to address workforce needs.
“We feel very fortunate to have Dr. Jerry Wallace joining WVU to lead Potomac State College,” said Paul Kreider, WVU interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Wallace also brings ties to the Mountain State, having served from 2017 to 2019 as the dean of Workforce, Technical and Community Education at New River Community and Technical College in Beckley.
Previously, he held a position as resident director at WVU Institute of Technology.
“It’s an honor to join WVU Potomac State College and engage with faculty, staff and students,” Wallace said. “I’m excited to be selected to lead PSC and have the opportunity to bring my family back to West Virginia.”
Wallace’s leadership has garnered recognition beyond campus.
In 2023, he was named one of Virginia Business Magazine’s Top 100 People to Meet and was awarded the Young Professionals PACE award by the Danville-Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce.
Recently, he received the 2024 Rising Star Award from the Rural Community College Alliance in New York.
Holding multiple advanced degrees, Wallace earned his doctoral degree in leadership and management, a master’s degree in educational leadership, a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, and an MBA in human resource management with a minor in marketing.
Kreider will conclude his term as interim campus president at PSC on Dec. 1, continuing his role as WVU’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs in a full-time capacity.
