Jennifer McIntosh, who has dedicated more than 25 years to helping WVU be a welcoming place for all, is retiring today (June 30).
Most of her career was spent as executive officer for social justice, just the second person to hold that job, during which she launched what was then called the Colloquium for Aspiring Minority Doctoral Candidates and is now the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program, a centerpiece of the University's efforts to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups as doctoral students.
Under her leadership, one of the programs in the Office of Social Justice was recognized by the state Martin Luther King Jr. Commission for its innovative outreach to encourage and assist underrepresented scholars seeking to move into higher education faculty positions.
For many years, McIntosh was also active in operating and supporting the International Home Start Closet, which provides first time international students moving to Morgantown with care packages that are useful in starting a home. Items might include sheets, towels, blankets, pillows, dishes, flatware, glasses, mugs, kettles, pots, pans, skillets, microwaves, coffee makers and rice cookers.
“Jennifer has served WVU with distinction for more than 25 years, doing critically important work to increase diversity and expand opportunity,” said Jay Cole, senior advisor to President Gordon Gee. “I am grateful that she agreed to continue to work with me as a special assistant in the President's Office.
“I have learned a great deal from her, particularly about making international students feel welcome at WVU. Her leadership on the International Home Start Closet project exemplifies the best of person-to-person diplomacy and Mountaineer hospitality. I wish her all of the best as she begins the adventure of retirement,” he said.
McIntosh joined WVU in 1993 as an affirmative action officer, and then was named director of affirmative action and equal opportunity programs and later to executive officer for social justice.