Contact: Dr. Donna M. Simon (304) 766-3363 dsimon@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. — Ashley Schumaker has been named Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the President of West Virginia State University (WVSU).
She will begin her new duties July 1.
Schumaker is currently the Senior Director of Board and Public Relations for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC).
“I am delighted to have someone with Ashley’s experience of working in higher education in West Virginia join the State family,” said WVSU President Brian O. Hemphill. “Her knowledge and abilities will be critical as we continue to make State the most student-centered research and teaching land-grant University in the state of West Virginia and beyond.”
In her current position, Schumaker oversees media relations, internal communications and external communications for the HEPC. She is responsible for the operation of and event coordination for the Chancellor’s Office and provides professional support to the Chancellor and other executive staff. Prior to serving in this role, Schumaker served as Executive Assistant to the Chancellor/Director of Communications beginning in August 2007.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the state’s higher education system,” Schumaker said. “As a lifelong resident of the Kanawha Valley, I look forward to joining the State family, led by President Hemphill, and working with faculty, staff, students, alumni and the entire campus community to provide greater opportunities for the region and the state of West Virginia to meet higher education and economic development needs.”
In her new role at WVSU, Schumaker will serve as a liaison with the University’s Board of Governors, work with the HEPC on the University’s required report submissions, handle event planning for the President’s Office, and provide direct day-to-day support for all activities of the President’s Office.
A native West Virginian, Schumaker graduated from St. Albans High School in 2001 and received a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in communication studies from Marshall University in 2005 and a master’s degree in communication studies from West Virginia University in 2007.
She lives in St. Albans with her husband, Chris, a WVSU graduate, and their 2-year old son, Garrett.