INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The West Virginia State University (WVSU) Foundation Board of Directors has elected new officers and members for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025.
John MacCorkle has been elected Chair of the WVSU Foundation Board and Jonathan Tucker has been elected Vice Chair of the Board. They succeed Jennifer Herrald Oakley who previously served as Chair and Dr. Sheri Sesay-Tuffour who had served as Vice Chair.
“I look forward to working with John MacCorkle and Jonathan Tucker in their new roles in leading the WVSU Foundation Board of Directors during an important time in planning for the future of West Virginia State University and how the Foundation will play a role in helping to support that future,” said WVSU Foundation President Trey Jones. “I also want to thank Jennifer Herrald Oakley and Dr. Sheri Sesay-Tuffour for their leadership and commitment during their time on the Foundation Board and their continued dedication to supporting West Virginia State University.”
John MacCorkle
MacCorkle has dedicated his life to service, both in the public and legal sectors. A veteran of the United States Army, he served his country from 1969 to 1971 following his graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the same year. He went on to earn his law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1976.
Throughout his legal career, MacCorkle held several prominent leadership positions, including serving as the Managing Member of the Pittsburgh-based firm Meyer Darragh Buckler Bebenek & Eck. He also led West Virginia-based firms MacCorkle Lavender & Casey and MacCorkle Lavender, providing strategic direction and legal expertise over several decades. He retired from the practice of law in 2023.
In addition to his legal accomplishments, MacCorkle is committed to public service. He served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and was appointed, then elected, as Municipal Judge for the City of South Charleston.
Jonathan Tucker
Tucker is a Charleston native and a 2011 WVSU graduate, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history. A four-year member of the Yellow Jacket football team, Tucker served as a multi-year starting right tackle and team captain.
He began his professional career in health care at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Charleston, quickly rising through the ranks to a director-level role. Alongside his professional endeavors, Tucker has nurtured a lifelong passion for music. He was a finalist in the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Idol competition, and has also been invited to perform with both the Huntington Symphony Orchestra and the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra as a guest featured soloist.
Tucker completed his master’s degree in healthcare administration from Capella University. He currently serves as a partner with MAKO Medical and is an active private investor and venture capitalist and a mentor to young working professionals in his community.
In addition to the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair, joining the WVSU Foundation Board as members are David Ferguson and Derrick Grant.
David Ferguson
Ferguson is a registered architect in West Virginia and Ohio and is a professional member of the American Institute of Architects, the West Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and the U.S. Green Building Council. He is a past president of the West Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Throughout his career, he has been involved in projects of varying types including educational, health care, industrial, retail and correctional. Many of his projects have been honored with planning and design awards, including St. Albans High School, Lincoln County High School and Hacker Valley K-8 School.
Ferguson is a 1979 WVSU graduate where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology/architectural design. He was recognized in 2025 by WV Executive Magazine as a Sharp Shooter, an award given to leaders who excel in their fields.
Derrick Grant
Grant is a senior executive specializing in hospital supply chain contracting, with over two decades of experience across healthcare, corporate and nonprofit sectors. He currently serves as an executive at Allied Health Solutions, a regional Group Purchasing Organization supporting major hospital systems such as WVU Medicine, Heritage Valley, Baptist Health, Marshall Health, and King’s Daughters.
Grant is also the founder and owner of Anniston Insight Solutions, a consulting firm that provides strategic guidance to homecare and long-term care programs. His leadership track record includes senior roles at global medical technology providers Sizewise Worldwide and Agiliti Health, as well as upper management positions with Enterprise Holdings and the Hilton Corp.
A 1997 WVSU graduate, Grant holds a bachelor’s degree and earned a certificate in executive leadership from Cornell University in 2023.
Established in 1959 to receive, manage and administer contributions for the benefit of the university, the WVSU Foundation is a public charity under the Internal Revenue Code – IRC § 501(c)(3). The Foundation supports the university’s strategic vision through leadership in donor engagement and fundraising, creating a culture of philanthropy and a providing a financial foundation for future growth and sustainability.
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