WHEELING, WV, Aug. 30, 2009 — Wheeling Jesuit University’s Board of Directors announced the formation of its presidential search team and that J. Davitt McAteer, J.D. has agreed to serve until the selection of a new president.

“We have gathered a nine-member search committee to coordinate our efforts and we are grateful for the assistance of these willing volunteers,” said board chairman Bill Fisher.

The Board of Directors at Wheeling Jesuit University is responsible for the direction and management of the ordinary business of the University. The newly appointed search committee consists of five members of the board of directors, two employees, one student and one community member.

“I am also pleased to announce that our acting president Davitt McAteer has agreed to accept the position of Interim President as we search for a permanent leader,” Fisher said. The timeline announced suggests a fall review of candidates and a 2010 selection for the new president.

On Aug. 6, the university's Board of Trustees determined to change leadership at the university, resulting in the removal of former President Julio Giulietti, S.J. who had served two years as president of the university. The change occurred after a majority of directors also expressed a lack of confidence in Giulietti. Fisher said that directors had a number of concerns, which he was not at liberty to discuss because of privacy protection reasons for Giulietti, but that the board has since endorsed the trustee vote.

On Aug. 20, 2009, Maryland Provincial James Shea, S.J., stated that he supports the action of the Wheeling Jesuit Board of Trustees and the university’s efforts to move forward in a positive manner. “The Jesuits remain committed to Wheeling Jesuit and will continue to support the students, employees and alumni who make up this community.”

The Provincial of the New England Province, the Rev. Myles Sheehan, S.J., has asked Giulietti to return to New England for discernment regarding a new ministry and assignment.

And as the Rev. Charles L. Currie, S. J., commented recently it is time for Father Giulietti to move on and do good work, as the institution is also moving forward.

“I serve at the board’s request and am happy to do so. As an alumnus and father of two alumni, I have great regard for the university and am proud of my long association with it, both as a student, parent and as Vice President of Sponsored Programs, a position I have held at the NTTC for over four years,” said McAteer. “We are back to business here on campus and pleased to welcome our talented new and returning students.”

“WJU is all about the students. Faculty and students are the heart of our mission and Jesuit education remains tops around the globe for a reason — it is rigorous, yet offers students a chance to excel at their own special talents.”

The presidential search committee will interact with all campus constituents as the hiring process moves forward, according to Fisher.

Wheeling Jesuit begins classes on Monday, Aug. 31 and is welcoming 1,200 students back to the 65-acre campus located on Washington Avenue, including one of the largest freshman classes in years.

It is the youngest of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Since 1995 and including 2009, U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top institutions in its “Best Master’s Universities in the South” category. Wheeling Jesuit also ranks 180 out of 600 in the 2009 Forbes Best Colleges survey

The campus is also home to the Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center, the Erma Ora Byrd Center for Educational Technologies®, the NASA-sponsored Classroom of the Future, a Challenger Learning Center® and the Clifford M. Lewis Appalachian Institute. Call 800-624-6992 for admissions information.