WVU Appoints Experienced Administrator as New Eberly College Dean

Clayton Thyne brings expertise in strategic planning, curriculum development, and student success to lead the college.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:35pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene depicting a group of students engaged in discussion, with warm pools of light and color creating a sense of academic community and intellectual exploration.The new dean of the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences aims to strengthen academic programs and provide meaningful, high-impact learning experiences for students.Morgantown Today

West Virginia University has announced the appointment of Clayton Thyne as the inaugural Linda and Don Brodie Dean of the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. Thyne, who previously served as the associate dean of academic affairs at the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, is credited with leading initiatives to strengthen academic programs, expand high-impact learning opportunities, and align curriculum with student success and workforce needs.

Why it matters

The Eberly College is a critical part of WVU's land-grant mission, playing a vital role in expanding educational opportunities and supporting communities across West Virginia. Thyne's appointment signals the university's commitment to strengthening its academic offerings and ensuring students have access to meaningful, high-impact experiences.

The details

In his previous role at the University of Kentucky, Thyne developed several new interdisciplinary majors and worked collaboratively with faculty and departments to modernize curricula, improve advising structures, and enhance student engagement. He also has experience serving as a department chair, director of graduate studies, professor, and researcher, providing him with extensive knowledge in aligning academic programs with institutional priorities, budget realities, student success goals, and research capacity.

  • Thyne will officially begin his new role as dean on July 1, 2026.

The players

Clayton Thyne

The incoming Linda and Don Brodie Dean of the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, who previously served as the associate dean of academic affairs at the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences.

Beverly Wendland

The incoming Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at West Virginia University, who expressed confidence in Thyne's ability to lead the Eberly College with integrity, compassion, and optimism.

WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

The college that Thyne will be leading as its inaugural Linda and Don Brodie Dean, playing a vital role in WVU's land-grant mission of expanding educational opportunities and supporting communities across West Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“Finding the right person to lead our Eberly College into the future was a significant undertaking. We feel fortunate that Professor Thyne will be joining our team and stepping into this important role. I have every confidence that he will lead with integrity, compassion and optimism and that the College will thrive under his leadership.”

— Beverly Wendland, Incoming Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, West Virginia University

“I'm honored to join West Virginia University and the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. As a land-grant institution, WVU plays a vital role in expanding opportunity and supporting communities across the state. I'm excited to work alongside faculty, staff and students to strengthen academic programs, support research and creative activity, and ensure that students have access to meaningful, high-impact educational experiences.”

— Clayton Thyne

What’s next

Thyne will officially begin his new role as dean on July 1, 2026, where he will work to strengthen academic programs, support research and creative activity, and ensure students have access to meaningful, high-impact educational experiences.

The takeaway

Thyne's appointment as the inaugural Linda and Don Brodie Dean of the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences underscores the university's commitment to enhancing its academic offerings and aligning them with student success and workforce needs. His extensive experience in strategic planning, curriculum development, and student engagement will be invaluable as he leads the college into the future.