The Office of the Provost has announced the hiring of Paul Heddings as the new director of the Office of Academic Integrity at WVU.
Heddings brings a unique blend of expertise and experience to WVU. Before joining the University, he served as a prosecuting attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, where he handled thousands of sensitive cases and provided training and education to a wide variety of audiences. As chief prosecutor for the White Collar and Public Corruption Unit, Heddings investigated and prosecuted matters of public corruption in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including work with clandestine operations and as a special prosecutor for cases across the state.
Prior to practicing law, Heddings worked with the University of Missouri Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for three years and has extensive experience leading investigations in higher education and managing difficult conversations with students, parents, faculty and donors.
“We are thrilled to have Paul Heddings leading our academic integrity efforts at WVU,” Evan Widders, associate provost for undergraduate education, said. “His significant experience in conflict resolution and diplomacy as well as his keen understanding of student conduct and related laws make him an ideal addition to the student conduct and academic affairs teams.”
Heddings earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, a bachelor’s degree in history and his J.D. from the University of Missouri. For the last three years, he served as an assistant prosecuting attorney and then chief prosecutor for the White Collar and Public Corruption Unit in the Jackson County, Mo., Prosecutor’s Office in Kansas City, Mo. As a prosecutor, Heddings handled a wide variety of cases including homicide, sex crimes and other violent crimes. Prior to that, he served as legal counsel to the Missouri Department of Corrections and assistant legal counsel to former Missouri Governor Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon.
“I am honored to join WVU and continue my work ensuring honesty, integrity and fairness,” Heddings said. “Our office will pursue these ideals utilizing a thorough, fair and educational process that supports students and helps them grow as Mountaineers. I look forward to working with our faculty, staff and students to promote these values.”
Heddings, who is in the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Division of Student Life, stepped into the director role in late March 2022 and succeeds Azalea Hulbert, who transitioned to a new position as assistant dean of student services at the WVU School of Medicine.