Higher education chancellor receives three-year contract extension, declines pay raise

June 12, 2026 - 20:50

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission voted unanimously on Friday to extend Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker's contract as chancellor for another three years. In a move that drew quiet praise from board members, Tucker declined any increase to her current salary.

The decision came during the commission's regular meeting in Charleston. Tucker, who has led the state's higher education system since 2020, will continue overseeing the four-year colleges and universities under the HEPC's purview. Her existing pay rate will remain unchanged through the extension period.

Commission members highlighted Tucker's steady leadership during the pandemic and her work on statewide enrollment initiatives. "She has shown a clear commitment to the students and institutions of this state," one board member noted during the discussion.

Tucker's current contract was set to expire in June. The new agreement runs through June 2027. No details were released regarding potential performance benchmarks or specific goals tied to the extension.

The chancellor's decision to forgo a raise comes as many public university systems across the country face tightening budgets and declining enrollment. West Virginia has been particularly affected, with several smaller colleges consolidating or closing in recent years. Tucker's office has pushed for more streamlined transfer pathways and workforce-aligned degree programs as part of a broader strategy to stabilize the state's higher education landscape.