Wheeling Jesuit University announces the selection and hiring of Wheeling resident Brent A. Bush as Vice President of Institutional Advancement. The new position will report directly to University President Rev. Joseph R. Hacala, S.J.
“We are very fortunate to have found an advancement professional like Brent to join us in this new leadership position,” remarked Hacala. “He brings wisdom and experience and will serve as the leader of our departments of development, alumni relations, and university relations.”
A West Virginia University and Linsly School graduate, Bush was most recently the vice president for institutional advancement at Bethany College, where he was employed since 1999, serving in the positions of executive director of development, interim vice president of institutional advancement and associate vice president of institutional advancement, prior to this most recent role.
"Wheeling Jesuit University enjoys national prominence and the scope of its mission transcends our Upper Ohio Valley boundaries,” said Bush. “This region is blessed to have comprehensive educational opportunities, from public and private secondary schools, vocational and technical training, and public and private post-secondary institutions. Education and work force development is critical to economic revitalization, and the University will continue to address the needs of the people and to improve the quality of life in the region it has selflessly served for over 50 years."
Experienced in the areas of strategic planning, management and fundraising, Bush is also skilled in the area of board and community relations. A well-known city councilman, Bush serves on Wheeling City Council after being elected in 1986, 1990, 1992 and 2004, representing the 4th Ward, which includes North Park, Fulton, Oglebay, Bethany Pike east to Edgington Lane. He serves as chair of the health and recreation committee, a vice-chair of the public safety committee and is a member of the finance committee.
He received his undergraduate degree in public relations/marketing and went on to receive his juris doctorate from West Virginia University’s College of Law, graduating in 1982. Bush previously served as assistant city solicitor for the City of Wheeling from 1982 – 85, where he performed duties as legal advisor to statuory boards, charter commissions, City Council and to senior administrative personnel.
Bush was also formerly employed at Bank One Trust Corporation from 1985 – 97, serving in various trust positions. Following this, he was employed with Banc One Securities Corporation as a senior investment consultant from 1997 – 99, where he was responsible for preparation and presentation of investment and advanced estate plannng strategies to private clients and groups.
He will begin his formal duties at Wheeling Jesuit on Aug. 29. Married to local educator Debbie Bush, their children are Rebecca, a 2004 Wheeling Jesuit alumna; and Steven and Michael Bush. They are members of Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Bush also serves on the Board of Directors of the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation, the Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley, and with the Ohio County Strings Association.
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Wheeling Jesuit University integrates the Jesuit traditions of intellectual excellence with the best of advanced technology to educate students for life, leadership, and service. U.S.News & World Report ranks Wheeling Jesuit University 17th in the "Best Master's Universities in the South," making it the highest ranked institution in West Virginia and the Ohio Valley for nine consecutive years. Wheeling Jesuit University is profiled in The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development, which profiles exemplary college programs that inspire students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives.
The only Catholic institution of higher education in West Virginia, Wheeling Jesuit offers more than 30 undergraduate programs of study and six graduate degrees to about 1,500 students. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, and 18 intercollegiate NCAA Division II athletic teams. The 65-acre campus located in Wheeling, W.Va., includes 15 modern buildings, multi-million dollar Acker Science Center, and residence halls, and a modern recreation and athletic facility that includes a soccer/track and field complex. The campus is home to the Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center, the Erma Ora Byrd Center for Educational Technologies, the NASA-sponsored Classroom of the Future, a Challenger Learning Center and the Clifford M. Lewis Appalachian Institute.
