The below information outlines the West Virginia University officials with authority to sign contractual documents on behalf of the University.
- Only the individuals listed below are duly authorized signatories with authority to bind the University to agreements. Contracts, including electronic agreements, signed and/or accepted by other employees or agents of the University shall not be binding on the University.
- All documents signed in reliance of a delegation must be reviewed and approved by the General Counsel’s Office and routed to the appropriate administrative units including, but not limited to, Procurement, Contracting, and Payment Services; Information Technology Services; Finance; and/or the Office of Sponsored Programs, if applicable.
- All contracts related to the purchase of goods or services must be signed by an official from Procurement, Contracting, or Payment Services, unless otherwise approved by the General Counsel’s Office.
- Signatories are required to comply with all West Virginia University Board of Governors (“BOG”) Rules and policy, including BOG Governance Rule 1.4 – Ethics, Conflicts of Interest, and Outside Consulting Arrangements and are responsible for disclosing any conflicts of interest.
If you have questions about who is authorized to sign a contract on behalf of the University, please contact the General Counsel’s Office at legalservices@mail.wvu.edu.
Administration and Finance
| University Official | Scope of Signature Authority |
|---|---|
| Paula Congelio, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | Authorized to sign documents related to the day-to-day management of the financial
and administrative affairs and operations of the University and to effect
actions of the BOG.
Authorized to take actions below any thresholds established for BOG authorization and to approve and sign contracts relating to real property; legal settlement agreements; documents relating to the University’s investments, bank accounts, and debts; and all other documents and agreements necessary for the advancement of the goals and objectives of West Virginia University. |
| Barbara Weiss, Senior Associate Vice President of Finance | Authorized to act in the absence of the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, or at her request, to approve and sign all documents necessary for the University’s real property related matters; legal settlement agreements; and other documents necessary for the advancement of the goals and objectives of West Virginia University related to the day-to-day management of the financial and administrative affairs and operations of the University. This includes, but is not limited to, documents relating to the University’s investments, bank accounts, and debts and other actions approved by the West Virginia University Board of Governors (“WVU BOG”) pursuant to the Finance and Administration Rules section of the WVU BOG Rules. |
Treasury Operations
|
Authorized to sign documents relating to the University’s investments, bank accounts, and debts, as allowed by Statute or West Virginia University Board of Governors Finance and Administration Rule 5.1.5 |
| Kelsey Knotts, Risk Manager | Authorized to sign the “Sworn Statement in Proof of Loss,” “Subrogation Receipt,” “Board of Risk and Insurance Management Non-Waiver Agreement,” Workers’ Compensation policy renewal applications, and property damage releases for claims under Thirty Thousand dollars ($30,000.00). I further authorize you to sign all other documents generated as part of routine automotive vehicle property insurance claims administered by the West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management as part of the claim settlement process. |
| Stephanie Taylor, Vice President and General Counsel | Authorized to sign all documents required or necessary to secure legal services from outside counsel or other legal consultants necessary for the advancement of the goals and objectives of West Virginia University. |
| Gary Furbee, II, Deputy General Counsel and Executive Director of Real Estate Operations | Authorized to sign documents related to and/or necessary to carry out the functions of all University residential premises, including the University Apartments, and all non-monetary agreements and documents related to real property, including but not limited to, rights of entry and routine closing documents. This delegation does not include authority to sign documents related to the University’s residence halls. |
| Jessica Carr, Property Manager at University Park and Vandalia Apartments | Authorized to sign documents related to the University’s residential premises noted above including residential lease agreements, settlement and release agreements related to residential leases, and documents related to eviction proceedings. This delegation does not include authority to sign documents related to the University’s residence halls. |
| Tara Gilchrist, Property Manager at University Place | Authorized to sign documents related to the University’s residential premises noted above including residential lease agreements, settlement and release agreements related to residential leases, and documents related to eviction proceedings. This delegation does not include authority to sign documents related to the University’s residence halls. |
| Laura Myers, Property Manager at College Park | Authorized to sign documents related to the University’s residential premises noted above including residential lease agreements, settlement and release agreements related to residential leases, and documents related to eviction proceedings. This delegation does not include authority to sign documents related to the University’s residence halls. |
| Keith Pyles, Assistant Director Transportation Services | Authorized to act as the University's designee for fleet approvals with the West Virginia Office of Fleet Management. |
| Robin Yorty, Executive Director of University Events and Liaison to the President | Authorized to approve and sign all documents and authorizations necessary to carry out the provisions of Section 4, Alcoholic Beverages, of BOG Finance and Administration Rule 5.4 – Use of University Facilities. This delegation includes, but is not limited to, signing and issuing approvals to serve alcohol and other documents necessary to authorize the possession and serving of alcoholic beverages at University Facilities pursuant to BOG Rule 5.4, Section 4.1.3. |
| John "Jack" Thompson, Director of Corporate Relations | Authorized to approve and sign all non-disclosure agreements and similar documents related to business and research-related activities. |
Academic Affairs
| University Official | Scope of Signature Authority |
|---|---|
| Maryanne Reed, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs | Authorized to conduct the academic business of the University and act in all matters related to the University’s academic operations, including but not limited to, carrying out the personnel actions for faculty members within the academic units that report to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; continues authorization to to approve and sign all documents necessary for the advancement of the academic goals and objectives of the University. This delegation includes, but is not limited to, academic affiliation and collaboration agreements, faculty appointment letters, accreditation documents, documents related to the Science Adventure School and the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, and other agreements necessary to carry out the University’s academic affairs. |
| Paul Kreider, Vice Provost | Authorized to act in the Provost's absence or unavailability to oversee the
academic affairs and operations of the University and to sign all documents
necessary for the advancement of the academic goals and objectives of the
University.
Authorized to approve and sign all academic affiliation and collaboration agreements. |
| Mark Gavin, Associate Provost for Academic Budget, Facilities, and Strategic Initiatives | Authorized to sign all documents necessary for the advancement of the mission and goals of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, including all documents related to the University’s Science Adventure School and the University’s initiatives with the Boy Scouts of America. This delegation shall include, but is not limited to, the Ascend WV remote worker agreements. |
| Deans | Authorized to execute documents necessary for the advancement of the academic goals of their respective colleges, including educational affiliation agreements, industry partnership agreements, start-up agreements, non-research related nondisclosure agreements, and/or agreements with external providers of course content or management |
| Todd Tubutis, Director, WVU Art Museum | Authorized to sign all documents necessary for the advancement of the mission and goals of the Art Museum, including art exhibition agreements, art loan agreements, and short-term facility rental agreements. |
| Than Saffel, Interim Director, WVU Press | Authorized to sign all documents necessary for the advancement of the mission and goals of WVU Press, including publication agreements and content distribution agreements. |
Health Science Center
| University Official | Scope of Signature Authority |
|---|---|
| Clay Marsh, Chancellor and Executive Dean of Health Sciences | Authorized to approve and sign all documents necessary to carry out the educational mission of the Health Science Center ("HSC"), including, but not limited to, educational affiliation agreements; professional service agreements; educational collaboration agreements; joint operating and other affiliation agreements with the faculty physician practice plans and the WVU Hospital system; and HSC faculty appointment letters. |
Divisional Campuses
| University Official | Scope of Signature Authority |
|---|---|
| T. Ramon Stuart, Campus President of West Virginia University Institute of Technology | Authorized to approve and sign all documents necessary for the advancement of the goals and objectives of WVU Tech. |
| Paul Kreider, Interim Campus President of Potomac State | Authorized to approve and sign all documents necessary for the advancement of the goals and objectives of Potomac State College. |
Procurement, Contracting and Payment Services
| University Official | Scope of Signature Authority |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Pratt, Assistant Vice President of Procurement, Contracting, and Payment Services | Authorized to sign all documents necessary for the purchase and acquisition
of all supplies, materials, equipment, services, and printing; lease and
lease-purchase services and receiving.
This authority may be sub-delegated to "Buyers" to sign documents for the purchase of goods or services on behalf of the university as permitted by the West Virginia Code. |
| Ted Svehlik, Associate Vice President of Business and Auxiliary Services | In the event that a personal conflict of interest arises rendering Jeff Pratt unable to sign a necessary document, Ted Svehlik is granted the authority to approve and sign all documents necessary for the purchase or acquisition of all materials, supplies, equipment, services, and printing; leases and lease-purchases and receiving, as may be required by the University. |
| Eric Andrews, Director of Arts and Entertainment | Authorized to sign contracts for WVU Arts and Entertainment artists, entertainers, and speakers as defined in Section 3.4.2 of the WVU Procurement Manual - Essential Services and Non-Competitive Fees and Expenses up to and including $200,000. All terms and conditions must be approved by the General Counsel's Office prior to signature. |
| Kaison Ball, Senior Category Analyst | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $750,000. |
| Omar Banks, Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer | Authorized to execute purchase agreements for: (1) hotel, air travel, and charter bus service; (2) in support of the Athletics Department; (3) not-to-exceed $25,000 per agreement; and (4) that include a fully-executed WV96 from a bona fide legal agent of supplier. |
| Keith Bayles, Category Manager | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $1,000,000. |
| Wendy Bolyard, Program Assistant I | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $5,000. Signature authority is limited to animals and labs. |
| Lori Brownlee, Office Administrator | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $5,000. Signature authority is limited to radioactive material. |
| Darlene Clingan, Purchasing Agent | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $250,000. |
| Cathy Cobb, Purchasing Agent | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $250,000. |
| Virgil Cooper, Senior Category Analyst | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $750,000. |
| Taylor Covington, Assistant Athletics Director of Business Operations | Authorized to execute purchase agreements for: (1) hotel, air travel, and charter bus service; (2) in support of the Athletics Department; (3) not-to-exceed $25,000 per agreement; and (4) that include a fully-executed WV96 from a bona fide legal agent of supplier. |
| Jessica Davis, Purchasing Agent | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $250,000. |
| Jackson DeVol, Category Analyst | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $500,000. |
| Derrick Gillespie, Senior Category Analyst | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $750,000. |
| M. Todd Kiger, Director | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $20,000,000. |
| James Seago, Category Analyst | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $500,000. |
| Katie McGuire, Category Manager | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $1,000,000. |
| Mikinna Russell, Category Manager | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $1,000,000. |
| Rebecca Zajdel, Category Analyst | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $500,000. |
| Kimberlie Monroe, Category Analyst | Authorized to sign all documents related to the purchase and acquisition of materials, supplies, equipment, printing, and services up to and including $500,000. |
Athletics
| University Official | Scope of Signature Authority |
|---|---|
| Wren Baker, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Vice President | Authorized to approve and sign all documents necessary for the advancement of the goals and objectives of the University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. This delegation includes, but is not limited to, athletic coaches’ contracts, game contracts, athletic specific vendor contracts, NCAA documentation, athletic facilities use agreements, media agreements, conference agreements, and other agreements specific to the mission of the Athletic Department. |
| April Messerly, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Capital Projects, Facilities, and Event Management | Authorized to approve and sign documents related to the use of West Virginia University Athletics' facilities, including but not limited to, facilities use agreements. |
Trademarks
| University Official | Scope of Signature Authority |
|---|---|
| Nikki Goodenow, Director of Brand and Trademark Licensing | Authorized to sign any document relating to the registration of University trademarks, including, but not limited to, those documents which originate from the federal government, from the state government, or from the local government. |
University Police
| University Official | Scope of Signature Authority |
|---|---|
| Sherry St. Clair, Chief of Police | Authorized to approve and sign all documents necessary to carry out the functions and mission of the University Police Department, including agency or collaboration agreements with other emergency response entities. |
Environmental Health and Safety
| University Official | Scope of Signature Authority |
|---|---|
| WVU Department of Environmental Health and Safety - Division of Air Quality | Authorized to approve and sign reports, permit applications, and other correspondence as required by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection under Chapter 22 of the West Virginia Code related to Air Quality. |
| WVU Department of Environmental Health and Safety - Division of Water and Waste Management | Authorized to approve and sign reports, permit applications, and other correspondence as required by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection under Chapter 22 of the West Virginia Code related to waste water management. |
| WVU Department of Environmental Health and Safety - Morgantown Utility Board | Authorized to approve and sign reports, permit applications, and other correspondence as required by the City of Morgantown's Article 923, Industrial Wastes, and Morgantown Utility Board’s Industrial Waste Discharge Permit No. MUB007. |
WVU Research Administration
| University Official | Scope of Signature Authority |
|---|---|
| Katie Stores, Associate Vice President for Finance, Operations and Research Administration | Authorized to approve and sign documents related to or arising in the course of the day-to-day business operations and management of the Office of Sponsored Programs; such documents include proposals, awards, grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs), compliance certifications, sub-awards, data rights agreements, teaming agreements, data use agreements, data management plans, project management plans, nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, reports and certifications submitted to governmental entities and other funding entities, powers of attorney documents, international and domestic patent documents, documents related to industry partnerships, and any other modifications to the foregoing. |
Office of Sponsored Programs
|
Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs: Authorized to approve
and execute those documents arising in the course of the day-to-day business
operations and management of the Office of Sponsored Programs; such documents
include proposals, awards, grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, cooperative
research and development agreements (CRADAs ), compliance certifications,
sub-awards, data rights agreements, teaming agreements, data use agreements,
data management plans, project management plans, nondisclosure agreements
(NDAs), confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, reports
and certifications submitted to governmental entities and other funding entities,
powers of attorney documents, international and domestic patent documents,
documents related to industry partnerships, and any modifications to the
foregoing.
Office of Sponsored Programs Associate or Assistant Directors: Authorized to approve and execute documents in the absence of or at the direction of the Director(s) of the Office of Sponsored Programs. Office of Sponsored Programs Award Negotiators: Authorized to approve and sign modifications to existing awards, including budget modifications, personnel changes, changes to a period of performance, and no-cost extensions; and agreements with University affiliated entities. |
Clinical Studies Negotiation Unit
|
Director of the Clinical Studies Negotiation Unit: Authorized to
approve and execute those documents arising in the course of the day-to-day
business operations and management of the clinical studies, such documents
include proposals, awards, grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, sub-awards,
data rights agreements, teaming agreements, data use agreements, data management
plans, project management plans, nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), confidentiality
agreements, material transfer agreements, reports and certifications submitted
to governmental entities and other funding entities, powers of attorney documents,
international and domestic patent documents, documents related to industry
partnerships, and any modifications to the foregoing. In the event that the
Director is unavailable or has a conflict, the Associate Vice President for
Clinical & Translational Science may sign.
Negotiator(s): may approve and sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs); confidentiality agreements; material transfer agreements; modifications to existing awards, including budget modifications, personnel changes, changes to a period of performance, and no-cost extensions; and agreements with University-affiliated entities. |