Submitted photo Dr. Andrea Bucklew will take over the position of interim president of Alderson Broaddus University starting July 1.

PHILIPPI — An interim president has been named to lead Alderson Broaddus University.

Dr. Andrea Bucklew, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, will take over the interim president position starting July 1, officials announced Wednesday.

Upon current President James “Tim” Barry’s retirement, Bucklew will begin a “transitional phase immediately, working with President Barry on the day-to-day functions of the presidency to ensure a smooth and seamless transition in July,” according to an AB press release.

“We couldn’t be more pleased than to have Dr. Bucklew serve as Interim President of AB for the coming year,”AB Board of Trustees and Governors Chair Dr. Rebecca A. Hooman said. “She is a strong, experienced leader who is highly respected on campus, by her colleagues around the country, and by the Board.

“We look forward to what we are certain will be a smooth transition, given the two and a half months Dr. Bucklew and Dr. Barry will have to work together, and to the coming year with Dr. Bucklew at the helm.”

Bucklew has served in various roles in higher education for more than 20 years, most recently as the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at AB. Bucklew previously served as the Associate Provost. Her primary responsibilities included leading the University’s efforts in assessing student learning, coordinating regional and discipline-specific institutional accreditation, and serving as the Administrator of Online Programming.

Bucklew previously served as the Dean of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences and is a tenured Professor of Criminal Justice. She was honored to be named the Faculty of the Year for 2016 by the AB student body.

“I am humbled and honored to be named as the Interim President of Alderson Broaddus University,” Bucklew said. “I believe passionately in the work that we do at AB. Our students are not only successful in their careers following their graduation, but they make a positive difference in our world today. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, administration, and Board at AB to continue this legacy over the coming year.”

Before joining the faculty of Alderson Broaddus in August 2012, she worked for 11 years at Potomac State College of West Virginia University, where she was an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, the Honors Program director, and Chair of the Curriculum and Instructional Programs Committee. She was the 2003 recipient of the Outstanding Contributions Award presented by the West Virginia Community College Association, and in 2008, she was named the Potomac State College “Outstanding Professor of the Year.”

Before her career in higher education, Bucklew worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney and was a partner in a general practice law firm. She continues to maintain her licenses to practice law in both West Virginia and Maryland. She also serves as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission and Quality Matters.

Bucklew and her husband, Chad, have three daughters and reside in Tunnelton.