CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Businessman Drew Payne is the new chairman of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
Payne, a former member of the WVU Board of Governors, takes over for Huntington attorney Mike Farrell who has had the chairman’s job for the past four years.
The HEPC met Friday in Charleston.
State Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker said Farrell has provided inspiring leadership and selfless service.
“Chairman Farrell is a true champion for our higher education system and students, advocating steadily for West Virginians to have affordable access to public post-secondary education, especially critical populations like first-generation college students and adult learners,” said in an HEPC news release.
Farrell praised Tucker.
“My tenure has been enhanced by the leadership of Chancellor Sarah Tucker and her excellent staff,” Farrell said. “They have solidified the dependence of the Executive and Legislative branches of state government on their analytical and policy development services. Under Dr. Tucker’s leadership, the college and university presidents have become more collaborative in their efforts to provide first class education. It has been a privilege to serve as chairman.”
Farrell moves into the vice chairman’s role. Diana Lewis Jackson will continue to serve as HEPC secretary.