Dr. Bethany Meighen has officially assumed her responsibilities as the 13th president of Concord University. Her appointment commenced on July 1st, following unanimous selection by the university’s Board of Governors back in April. Her duties as president were previously carried out by Dr. Kendra Boggess, who devoted 11 years to the presidency and committed 40 years to Concord through various roles.
Dave Barnette, chairman of Concord’s Board of Governors, shed light on the reasons Dr. Meighen was chosen for the presidency. Her robust experiences within the sphere of higher education administration made her just the right fit. Having shaped policies on student admissions and services, her expertise can further capitalize on the solid foundation laid by President Kendra Boggess.
Gratitude was expressed towards the Presidential Search Committee for the relentless efforts they put in over several months leading up to the final decision. An enthusiastic sense of anticipation for the future was also conveyed by the Board of Governors, given their confident choice in Dr. Meighen’s leadership.
Prior to Concord, Dr. Meighen was the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of North Carolina. Her return to West Virginia marks a homecoming, and she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception she received as the new president of Concord University. Her appreciation extended not only to the campus community but also the larger local entities of Athens and Princeton.
Her aspiration of achieving a presidential role came from her desire to contribute valuable service to higher education. However, she admitted that the longing to be closer to family also influenced her decision. Dr. Meighen’s family resides in the Cross Lanes and Teays Valley regions of West Virginia, and her husband’s family is located in the Fairmont and Clarksburg areas.
Dr. Meighen’s educational journey includes completing undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Charleston, followed by earning her Doctor of Education degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. While charting her educational path, she also launched her professional career at the University of Charleston, serving in various capacities ranging from Alumni and Parent Relations to Marketing and Student Life.
Through her diverse roles, she learned the significance of nurturing strong, healthy relationships, especially those that make up daily interactions. She projects that her past involvement in promoting university admissions and enrollment growth might influence Concord University’s efforts to elevate their own statistics, particularly as institutes of higher education strive to maintain robust enrollment.
The appointment journey started with 60 prospective candidates, out of which Dr. Meighen emerged successful. She stated that the application process was challenging, yet appreciated that the procedure allowed her to understand why Concord University is regarded as an exceptional institution.
Since her appointment in April, she disclosed that she has remained in consistent communication with Dr. Boggess. As her term drew closer, Dr. Boggess provided pivotal support, assisting Dr. Meighen in acquainting herself with new folks and understanding the institution better.
From observing Dr. Boggess, Dr. Meighen recognized the importance of active listening – listening to comprehend rather than merely to respond. She affirmed the value of this lesson and intends to emulate it so that unprejudiced communication within the community, as well as the support for students, can be enhanced.
Dr. Meighen also unveiled her visions for the institution. She envisions partnering within the community and facilitating student progress, while ensuring that Concord continues to flourish for the next 150 years. She expresses a strong desire to sustain and escalate the growth trajectory of the university.
The event she looks forward to with the most anticipation is the first day of classes, the day when the campus truly comes alive. Walking across the campus, greeting eager students, and serving those who have dedicated themselves to pursue their dreams reinforces the reason she is in her current position – to support and facilitate limitless learning opportunities.
Her arriving opportunity to introduce herself to students fills her with excitement. The heartbeat of the university – its diligent students pursuing their dreams – is the central reason that fuels her motivation, a source of inspiration that underscores the significance of her role as president of Concord University.