FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 29, 2026
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College has selected David Beighley as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs following a national search that included multiple levels of interviews and a campus presentation process designed to gather stakeholder input.
Beighley has led Pierpont’s Academic Affairs as Interim Provost since March 2025, guiding the institution through a period of leadership transition while sustaining momentum and advancing priorities focused on program innovation and workforce alignment.
A member of the Pierpont community for more than two decades, Beighley brings extensive experience in community and technical college education and a deep understanding of the college’s mission. He has served the college in a range of roles, including faculty member, program coordinator, Faculty Senate president, dean, associate provost and interim provost.
Throughout his career, Beighley has led institution-wide efforts in curriculum development, program review, and academic policy, with a focus on strengthening instructional quality while ensuring responsiveness to workforce and industry needs. He has also played a key role in expanding partnerships with regional K-12 systems and higher education institutions, supporting dual enrollment and strengthening transfer and articulation pathways.
Beighley brings more than 15 years of experience with Higher Learning Commission accreditation, including leadership in assurance reviews, institutional assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives. His work has helped strengthen academic quality, reinforce institutional effectiveness and align programs with the college’s strategic priorities.
“Provost Beighley has provided steady, thoughtful leadership at a critical time for Pierpont,” said President Dr. Michael Waide. “He understands the mission of a community college and the importance of strong faculty governance, clear academic policies and meaningful partnerships with our K-12 and higher education partners. He has maintained the momentum we’ve built and will help lead us into the next phase of that work focused on serving our students and our region.”
As provost and vice president of academic affairs, Beighley will serve as the college’s chief academic officer, providing leadership for academic programs, faculty affairs, accreditation, workforce education and student learning initiatives. He will continue to guide academic strategy with an emphasis on access, program quality, pathway development and instructional innovation.
“I am honored to continue serving Pierpont in this role,” said Beighley. “Our work must remain focused on identifying and removing barriers for students, strengthening the systems that support their success and continuing to build clear, flexible pathways that meet students where they are. I look forward to building on the progress we have made and continuing to advance programs and partnerships that support student persistence, completion and meaningful workforce outcomes.”
Beighley’s selection builds on his longstanding service to Pierpont and reflects a commitment to continuity in academic leadership and a forward-looking vision focused on academic excellence and community impact.
“The national search was intentionally designed to provide multiple opportunities for engagement and thoughtful evaluation. Candidates participated in a comprehensive three-level interview process that included representative search committees, executive leadership interviews and a campus-wide presentation open forum with faculty, staff, students, and community members,” President Dr. Waide stated. “We are grateful to the many individuals who invested their time, expertise and thoughtful feedback throughout this process. Their participation helped ensure a thorough and inclusive evaluation of each candidate.”
Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive and high-quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia, with a focus on career readiness and workforce development.
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.