Sept. 1, 2020 was the first day reporting to campus for State’s 12th president, and first female president, Dr. Nicole Pride.
A New Jersey native, Dr. Pride said the transition to West Virginia has been great.
“Everyone is so kind and welcoming, especially around this institution. I love hearing about all of the history here.”
Dr. Pride earned her bachelor’s degree in business management and economics from North Carolina State University, a master’s in corporate and public communications from Seton Hall University, and a doctorate in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University, where she also served as the vice provost for academic strategy and operations prior to taking her presidential role at State.
A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dr. Pride said she is honored to have been chosen as State’s first female president.
“It’s such a privilege. It’s an honor and privilege that I don’t take lightly,” she said.
There are many things atop the to do list of the new president. She is hoping to focus on five key things: enrollment, partners and community involvement, fundraising, commitment to the land grant, as well as brand recognition.
Coming in during a pandemic, Pride has been rather content with State’s response to the current state of the world. She believes that it has been well managed, but she is not lost on the fact that things can always improve.
“I asked the team for more communication. I know the town hall forums have been going well, but I would have liked some more clear communication in advance.”
Dr. Pride takes State’s role as an HBCU and 1890 land grand institution very seriously, and is looking forward for the opportunities to be involved in the Black Lives Matter movement.
“The Black Lives Matter movement is so much broader than just the dynamics that are going on within our nation. We should be very engaged in the dialogue and look for opportunities for us to bring about solutions and help make change in our societies that are going to help bring about equality.”
If you are wanting to get in touch with Dr. Nicole Pride, contacting the President’s Office is the best way to reach out.
