Riley

WHEELING — West Virginia Northern Community College president Vicki L. Riley Ph.D. has announced she is retiring from the college.

WVNCC made the news public Friday. Her retirement from the college is effective June 30.

The Board of Governors said it has appointed J. Michael Koon as interim president starting July 1, pending approval from the West Virginia for Community and Technical College Education.

Riley served 10 years at WVNCC, including the first seven years as vice president of academic affairs. On Jan. 6, 2015, Riley was appointed WVNCC’s seventh president. Her career in community college education spans more than 30 years, and she has worked in West Virginia community colleges since 1995.

“I have been fortunate to spend my entire career seeing first-hand the impact community colleges have on students and the communities they serve,” said Riley. “I am particularly proud of what our team has accomplished at WVNCC and the number of lives improved by community college education.”

During Riley’s tenure, WVNCC has increased the number of its graduates, expanded technical programs and facilities, increased partnerships with schools, businesses and industries and invested in competitive employee wages.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to lead Northern,” said Riley. “I have no doubt the college will continue the great work we have been able to accomplish. WVNCC has a bright future ahead.”

WVNCC Board Chairman Brann Altmeyer acknowledged Riley’s dedication to the college.

He credits her with strengthening the institution’s fiscal position and building capacity to meet current and future needs of the region.

Koon retired from WVNCC in 2015 after serving in faculty and administrative roles for 40 years. He served 10 years as a full-time faculty member and, during that time, served as chairperson for the Science, Math and Technology Division.

He has been the campus dean on WVNCC’s Weirton Campus on three different occasions and fulfilled the role as vice president of Workforce Development for 10 years.

Koon has served as interim vice president of Academic Affairs three separate times, including 2017. From 1989-1990, he served as interim president. During his retirement, he has continued to teach one course as an adjunct professor.

Koon also has been a consultant/evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission for 23 years.