ATHENS, WV (WOAY)- Back in September, Concord University’s president had formally announced that she would be retiring from the position this coming August. Many people came out to the Concord Theater to celebrate her time, her accomplishments and support her for her retirement.
Dr. Kendra Boggess has served the university as president since 2014. However, her retirement comes after 41 dedicated years of service to Concord. She’s also the first woman to be named president of the university.
During her time, course offerings were expanded by introducing new programs like nursing, cybersecurity, a variety of minors, and so much more. Her advocacy even led to creating West Virginia’s first Esports team and a major in Esports.
“All of this is because of Dr. Boggess’ support and faith in the program and letting us grow over the five years, five and a half years that we’ve been a program,” explained Austin Clay, the Director of the Esports program at Concord. “So, without her support, letting us grow and letting me do my crazy ideas to actually grow the program, we wouldn’t have it. So Dr. Boggess’ impact has affected not only me but my students, which over 120 students. Her decision to say yes to Esports has affected over 120 people’s lives, from my faculty, my students, to my staff members, all of that because she was willing to take a risk on something new like e-sports in the state.”
Her time as president has been an eventful one. There’s been a variety of projects she has helped lead. Boggess said she has mixed feelings, but it’s been an honor to serve Concord.
“It makes me feel wonderful that we all came together and work together to make the changes that we knew needed to happen,” said Dr. Kendra Boggess. “Nothing like this happens because of the work of one person, and I have amazing people all across campus who are leaders and they’ve moved us forward in ways that have been really good for the institution. So it makes me feel great.”
This event comes after the university named their next president, Dr. Bethany Meighen. She’ll take the reins come Boggess’ retirement in August.
What are Boggess’ plans come her retirement? Well, she says she’s going to go see some friends she hasn’t seen in a long time since they live in different parts of the country.
