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West Virginia Northern Community College Student Government Votes No Confidence in President

Photo by Alec Berry West Virginia Northern Community College Student Governor Association member Rosemary Ketchum, right, speaks as Lisa Nieder, left, and Kasie Hooper listen.

WHEELING — West Virginia Northern Community College’s Student Government Association offered its own vote of “no confidence” in the school’s president, Vicki Riley, Friday after similar action by faculty members last month.

A memorandum from the group outlines various areas of concern related to Riley’s leadership, including an alleged lack of accessibility and a lack of attention to the school’s students.

According to Rosemary Ketchum, an SGA member and a student representative on the college’s board of governors, the SGA’s 7-0 decision is not necessarily a call for Riley’s resignation, but an agreement to ask further questions.

Ketchum abstained from voting, due to her involvement with the board.

On Nov. 18, WVNCC faculty, in a 38-0 vote, urged the board of governors to declare “no confidence” in Riley.

However, during a public meeting Nov. 29, the board chose instead to appoint a committee tasked with analyzing grievance claims.

The SGA memorandum cites a “failure to promote a relationship between (administrators) and the student body” and a belief their focus has been to “invest in the expansion of (the college’s) assets” at the “expense of existing programs.”

Robert DeFrancis, dean of community relations for WVNCC, said he was unaware of the SGA vote.

In general, he said Riley is respectful of the ongoing review process and awaiting its outcome.

Three SGA members will meet with WVNCC Board of Governors Chairman Brann Altmeyer Tuesday to discuss the newly appointed review committee, which consists of Altmeyer and fellow board of governors Mary K. Hervey DeGarmo and the Rev. Darrell Cummings.

“They need to be reminded that they’re here for us,” Kasie Hooper, a member of WVNCC’s Academic Appeals Committee, said.

Ketchum said some in WVNCC’s administration are nervous because students do not typically question or take a stance on the college’s operations.

Hooper said no matter where students attend school, they should be involved so leaders are kept on course.

Although a meeting attendee suggested protesting against Riley with a walkout, Ketchum said the SGA has no intention of interrupting students’ educations.

She said the group would rather adhere to a formal process.

“We will not stop until something gets done,” she said. “I want to look at Northern in 10 to 15 years and see it thriving.”

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