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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT JAMES P. CLEMENTS

= Current Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Towson University, Towson, Md.

= Secured more than $50 million in external funding during a four-year period.

= Participated in the Urban Design Assistance Team process to redevelop the community surrounding the university.

= Director of Towson University's 2010 Strategic Plan.

= Bachelor's degree in computer science and master's and doctoral degrees in operations analysis from the University of Maryland Baltimore County; master's degree in computer science from Johns Hopkins University.

= His project management textbook is in its fourth edition and is used in more than 20 countries.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - James P. Clements loves country music, football and the ability to lead young people to their goal of graduating from college.

As one of two candidates for the president's post at West Virginia University, Clements was in Morgantown on Thursday to participate in a series of forums during which he introduced himself and his ideas to the community, employees, faculty and students.

The forums were held throughout the day at the new Erickson Alumni Center on the WVU campus.

Clements is the current provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Towson University, in Towson, Md.

The other contender in the race for president of WVU is Gregory H. Williams, current president at The City College of New York. Williams took part in a similar series of forums on Wednesday at the alumni center.

Prior to fielding questions, Clements spent time asking students about themselves. He spoke frankly about the fact that he did not seek out the job at WVU, but when contacted about the position, was very excited about the possibility of taking the reins at the Mountain State school.

"In Maryland, we all know about West Virginia University. A lot of kids come to this school where once they become a Mountaineer, they are always a Mountaineer," he observed.

Clements said while he already knew of the reputation of WVU as a great university, he was even more impressed when he and his family arrived in Morgantown and viewed the campus. He heaped praise on the facilities offered at WVU, pointing especially to the excellence of the recreation center. Clements and his wife, Beth, have four children ranging in age from 8 to 17.

Clements regards WVU as a Carnegie research university with innovative academic and student life programs that contribute to higher retention and graduation rates. During his tenure at Towson, Clements has served as a bridge between the university and community and secured more than $50 million in external funding over a four-year period. He has a bachelor's degree in computer science and master's and doctoral degrees in operations analysis from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and a master's degree in computer science from Johns Hopkins University. His project management textbook is in its fourth edition and is used in more than 20 countries.

Questions posed to Clements during the student and faculty forums included topics ranging from green initiatives to domestic partner benefits, financial concerns and even how to handle the growing university population within the confines of Morgantown.

Clements said he could not commit to green initiatives or domestic partner benefits without first knowing the costs involved but would be willing to address both issues if he becomes president at WVU. He also said his experience in economic development while at Towson gives him the background to develop a working relationship between WVU and the city of Morgantown, whether it is regarding parking or housing issues.

"If I am lucky enough to be president here at WVU, you will find that I am a very open person. At Towson, I developed teams that work together to tackle issues before they become problems," he said.

Students wanting more financial support for club sports at WVU were told that "rec sports are critical, and they have an impact on retention. Students want to go where there are cool things going on. I would definitely sit down and listen to that."

As for tuition costs, Clements said one of the first things he would do as president of the university would be to "go out and raise some money for scholarships and financial aid."

He noted that WVU is fortunate to have outstanding, nationally recognized sports teams and a sports department that is financially secure and is "not a drain on resources."

When addressing members of the faculty Thursday, Clements said he is a faculty member and always will be.

"My job as president would be to provide the resources the faculty needs to do their jobs," he said.

He touted WVU's excellent research capabilities, its health and science facilities, agriculture programs and the faculty. He agreed that more teachers are needed at the school as the student population continues to grow. Clements also said he recognizes the importance of a "global education" and providing students opportunities outside of Morgantown.

As for the past scandal over the issuance of unearned degrees at WVU, Clements said the university has too many positives and a long, solid history not to move past the matter.

"This is a great university. Every university has a bump in the road. We will focus on the future," he said.

The WVU Board of Governors is expected to select the university's 23rd president this afternoon, pending approval of the Higher Education Policy Commission.

C. Peter Magrath currently is interim president, a role he accepted after former president Michael Garrison resigned Sept. 1 in the wake of a scandal involving the improper awarding of graduate degrees, including one awarded to Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter, Heather Bresch. Magrath is expected to serve until the permanent president begins his term - likely by July 1.