Gordon Gee

Gordon Gee
Name	Gordon Gee
Birth date	2 February 1944
Birth place	Vernal, Utah
Alma mater	University of Utah (B.A.), Columbia University (J.D.), Teachers College, Columbia University (Ed.D.)
Occupation	University president, academic administrator
Known for	Leadership of multiple major universities
Title	President of West Virginia University
Term start	2021
Predecessor	E. Gordon Gee (interim)

Gordon Gee. Edgar Gordon Gee is a prominent American academic administrator known for his long and distinctive career leading several major research universities. Recognizable by his trademark bow ties and energetic persona, he has served as president of more universities than any other American, including two separate tenures at both The Ohio State University and West Virginia University. His leadership has been marked by significant fundraising campaigns, campus expansions, and occasional public controversies.

Early life and education

He was born in Vernal, Utah, and grew up in the intermountain West. He completed his undergraduate studies in history at the University of Utah, graduating in 1968. He then moved to New York City to attend Columbia University, where he earned a Juris Doctor from its Columbia Law School in 1971. Demonstrating an early interest in the intersection of law and education, he subsequently earned a Doctor of Education degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1972.

Academic career

His initial professional roles were in legal education and academic administration. He began as an assistant dean at the University of Utah College of Law before becoming a professor and associate dean at West Virginia University College of Law. His first major executive appointment came in 1979 when he was named dean of the West Virginia University College of Law. His success in that role led to his first university presidency in 1981.

University presidencies

His extensive presidential career began at West Virginia University, serving from 1981 to 1985. He then led the University of Colorado System from 1985 to 1990, followed by the presidency of The Ohio State University from 1990 to 1997. After Ohio State, he served as chancellor of Vanderbilt University from 2000 to 2007, overseeing the historic separation of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He returned to Ohio State for a second term from 2007 to 2013, a period marked by a multi-billion dollar fundraising campaign. In 2014, he resumed the presidency of West Virginia University, making him the only person to have led the same two R1 institutions twice.

Public image and controversies

Known for his jovial, bow-tied public image and quotable statements, his tenure has not been without significant scrutiny. At The Ohio State University, his compensation package and expenses drew media and Ohio Inspector General attention. Comments made to the editorial board of The Columbus Dispatch about Big Ten Conference colleagues sparked widespread criticism. During his second tenure at West Virginia University, major academic restructuring and program cuts, particularly to world language departments, prompted substantial protests from faculty, students, and the American Association of University Professors.

Personal life

He has been married twice and has two daughters. His first marriage was to Elizabeth Dyer. In 2015, he married Constance Bumgarner. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has served in various local ecclesiastical roles. An avid collector, his interests include antique watches and historical memorabilia related to Abraham Lincoln.

Legacy and honors

He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced and resilient university presidents in modern American higher education. His legacy includes transformative capital projects like the Ohio State University Medical Center expansion and the Vanderbilt University campus revitalization. He has received numerous honors, including the National 4-H Council’s Distinguished Service Award and honorary degrees from institutions like Miami University and West Virginia Wesleyan College. In 2023, the West Virginia University board of governors extended his contract, underscoring his enduring role in the landscape of public research universities.

Category:American university and college presidents Category:West Virginia University faculty Category:Columbia University alumni