FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2026
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Pierpont Community & Technical College Board of Governors has selected Dr. Michael Waide as the institution’s next president, pending approval by the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS) and completion of contract negotiations.
The action followed an executive session and formal vote during the Board’s March meeting. Members approved the presidential appointment and authorized Board Chair Lisa Lang; Board Vice Chair David Hinkle; Presidential Search Committee Chair Anthony Hinton; and Human Resources, Policies and By‑Laws Committee Chair Thomas Cole to negotiate a contract with Dr. Waide. The final contract will be brought back to the board upon completion.
“Dr. Waide has demonstrated unwavering dedication to Pierpont throughout his many years of service, and the board believes he is the right leader to guide the college into its next chapter,” said Lisa Lang, Chair of the Pierpont Board of Governors. “He understands the critical role community and technical college education plays in strengthening our region, and his commitment to students, faculty, staff and the community is evident in everything he does.”
Dr. Waide, who has served Pierpont for nearly two decades, completed his on‑campus finalist interviews on March 6. His roles at the college have included serving as interim president and, previously, as provost and vice president of academics, dean of health sciences, program director and medical laboratory professor. His leadership has encompassed accreditation, development of workforce‑aligned academic pathways, strategic planning and the advancement of student‑success initiatives across the institution.
In his forum, Dr. Waide emphasized collaborative leadership, transparency and a focus on improving student persistence through coordinated services and social learning communities. He underscored the importance of employer‑informed curriculum design, expanded pathways for working learners and continued momentum in academic and workforce innovation.
His presidential contract is anticipated to begin July 1, pending WVCTCS approval and completion of negotiations.
“The search committee conducted a thorough, community‑inclusive process, and we are grateful for the strong engagement from students, employees and local partners. This is an important moment for Pierpont, and we look forward to continuing our mission of delivering high‑quality, workforce‑driven education for our service region.”
The board also discussed institutional priorities related to budgeting, tuition and five‑year program reviews. The Finance and Administration Committee reported no increase to tuition for the upcoming academic year. Select program fees will increase. Pierpont has only raised tuition fees by an average of 1% over the past three years, well below increases at other colleges in the state.
The Academic Committee presented its five‑year program reviews, with the board approving continuation of the Business A.A.S., Health Sciences A.A.S. and Veterinary Technology A.A.S. programs. The Food Service Management A.A.S. and C.A.S. programs were approved for continuation with corrective action, and the Petroleum Technology A.A.S. program was approved for discontinuation.
Pierpont leaders expressed appreciation for the strong participation from students, employees and community members throughout the search process and noted that transition updates will be shared as they become available.
Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.
Media Contact:
Pierpont Community and Technical College
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