After three decades of working to improve the student experience at West Virginia University, Michael Ellington, director of the Mountainlair, will retire Aug. 2.
“The Mountainlair is truly a remarkable and diverse place and it has been my honor and privilege to serve in the lead position of the ‘campus living room’ for 27 of my 34 years at WVU,” Ellington said. “The students, faculty, staff and visitors that I have encountered throughout the years have been a blessing and I hope that I am leaving the University and Mountainlair a better place.”
Ellington has served the Division of Student Life in a variety of capacities during his tenure — advocating for student interests, fostering diversity and inclusion, and working to enhance the quality of life outside the classroom.
He began his career at WVU in 1993 as the assistant director of Mountainlair Operations, and in 1995, he was appointed director of the Mountainlair by then-Dean of Students Herman Moses.
From 2004-2011, Ellington served as the assistant vice president of Student Affairs where he oversaw the Mountainlair, Dining Services, Arts & Entertainment and the Center for Black Culture and Research. He was appointed associate vice president for Student Affairs in 2011, and served in that role until he returned to his position as director of the Mountainlair during a reorganization of leadership in 2018 to better serve students.
Following Ken Gray’s retirement in 2014, Ellington briefly served as the interim vice president for Student Life.
“Those of us who have had the opportunity to work alongside Michael will miss his kindness and warm smile,” Dean of Students Corey Farris said. “His dedication to service to the University and our students during such a long career is inspiring, something we all should aspire to and take inspiration from as we go through our daily lives.”
Ellington played an instrumental role in the implementation of a variety of key initiatives to change the culture on campus including WVUp All Night and FallFest. He also provided support for student programs and University traditions such as the Hardesty Festival of Ideas, WVU Homecoming and Mountaineer Week.