Following the sudden and untimely death of Marshall University President Stephen Kopp in December, the University’s Board of Governors has unanimously named former West Virginia Coal Association President and two-time Board Chairman, Gary White, of Logan, to the role of interim president. A Marshall graduate, Gary has also served as president and CEO of International Industries, Inc., based in Gilbert, vice president of the state Board of Education, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and on the University of Pikeville Board of Trustees. His tenure began January 1st and will last until a permanent replacement is found.
Following the announcement, Governor Tomblin said, “I have known Gary for many years and commend Marshall University for making an outstanding choice for an interim president. Gary is passionate about improving our state’s higher education system and will be a steady hand for the University while the Board of Governors searches for a permanent replacement for the late Dr. Kopp.” We, at the Association, wish the best of luck to Gary who we know will do an outstanding job for his alma mater and the State of West Virginia.