ROBIN CAPEHART

The former president of both West Liberty and Bluefield State universities will be in the Northern Panhandle starting Wednesday to offer a series of talks about leadership.

Robin Capehart — a Moundsville native now serving as principal fellow of The Carnegie Academy and a senior consultant at Collegiate Consulting in Atlanta — will draw from decades of leadership in higher education, public service, and the private sector to help guide current and aspiring leaders.

The first talk will be held at noon Wednesday at the Perkins Restaurant in Moundsville, titled “How to Lead When Your Boss Can’t (or Won’t).” At noon Thursday, he’ll be at the Wheeling-Ohio County Library with a talk titled “The Art of Connecting.” At noon Friday, he’ll be at the Moundsville-Marshall County Public Library with a talk titled “Leadership Gold: Lessons Learned from a Lifetime of Leadership Positions.”

The events at the Ohio and Marshall County libraries are free and open to the public.

Capehart is recognized for leading Bluefield State University from 2019-23, during which time Bluefield State achieved university status, launched its first graduate program, and saw African-American student representation surge from 6% to 30%. He also served as West Liberty’s president from 2007-15, where he guided record enrollment and fundraising and oversaw the construction of landmark academic facilities and the initiation of high-quality graduate programs.

Capehart’s leadership extends beyond academia, with prior service as Secretary of Tax and Revenue for West Virginia, Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Fair Taxation, and Chief Administrative Law Judge for the State Tax Department. A magna cum laude graduate of West Virginia University and Fulbright Scholar, he has been honored as a “Distinguished West Virginian” and has served in key advisory roles nationwide.