Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College (Southern) is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Manuel as the college’s new Interim President.
Elizabeth A. Manuel has dedicated her career to increasing access to education and advancing student success initiatives throughout West Virginia. Beginning with a focus on economic and workforce development in some of the state’s most rural communities, she has spent more than two decades leading efforts to make higher education accessible, particularly for first-generation and low-income students.
Throughout her more than 25 years of experience, much of Manuel’s work has involved fiscal oversight and management of state and federal grants supporting educational programs and student initiatives. Her expertise includes grassroots community collaboration, securing funding for impactful programs, and expanding educational opportunities for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Most recently, Manuel served as a K–12 administrator overseeing student affairs, operational initiatives, and infrastructure development. Before that role, she spent more than 15 years with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, where she held numerous leadership positions.
During her tenure with the Commission, Manuel secured nearly $30 million in funding for student programs across the state, oversaw the system’s Division of Student Affairs, and served as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet. Earlier in her career, she also held various leadership roles at Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College.
Manuel was named a Council Member for the West Virginia Council for Community & Technical College Education, serving on the coordinating body responsible for administering community and technical college education across the state. In addition, she has served on numerous boards and committees at both the state and national levels.
“Southern has a strong tradition of impacting lives through education,” said Manuel. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, students, and community partners as we continue creating opportunities for the people and communities we serve.”
“Together we will continue building on the college’s mission of accessible, affordable, and high-quality education while ensuring our students remain at the center of everything we do,” she added.
She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Marshall University and resides in Logan, West Virginia, where she remains active in her local community.
Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College welcomes Manuel into this leadership role and looks forward to her continued commitment to student success, workforce development, and community engagement across southern West Virginia.