FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/3/06

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Annette Barnette
Public Relations & Marketing Director
Glenville State College
(304) 462-4115

23RD GLENVILLE STATE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION SET FOR FRIDAY

Glenville, WV---Final preparations are being made for the inauguration of the 23rd President of Glenville State College. Dr. Peter B. Barr will be sworn into office on Friday during a ceremony beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the GSC Fine Arts Center. The inaugural theme is ‘Preserving and Responding,' and the public is invited. An inaugural luncheon will take place after the ceremony followed by an inaugural gala that evening. A special inaugural dinner for GSC students is scheduled the night before.

The Huntington native arrived on the Glenville State campus the middle of June and began serving as the college's President on July 1st. He says strengthening Glenville State College and encouraging students to give back to their communities are among his concerns. “We must train students for jobs, but, at the same time, educate them to make the world a better place to live,” said Barr.

Dr. Barrs’ many goals include increasing student enrollment, improving student retention rates, working with the GSC Foundation on a capital campaign, and assisting local residents on boosting economic development in the area. Barr said, “The first five months on the job have been five of the most exciting months of my life.”

Barr comes to Glenville State from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, where he was the Provost and Senior Vice President serving as the school’s Chief Academic Officer. He is a Marshall University graduate holding a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Marshall as well as a Doctorate of Business Administration degree from Louisiana Tech University.

Barr was among more than 70 candidates for the position. He replaces former Glenville State College President, Robert Freeman, who retired the end of June.