Clayton Thyne, who is known for his people-centered approach to leadership, most recently served as associate dean of academic affairs at the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences where he supported the strategic planning, curriculum development, and enrollment strategy for the unit’s 21 departments and more than 5,500 students since 2023.
In that role, Thyne led a range of initiatives focused on strengthening academic programs, expanding high-impact learning opportunities and aligning curriculum with student success and workforce needs. He played a key role in the development of several new interdisciplinary majors and worked collaboratively with faculty and departments to modernize curricula, improve advising structures and enhance student engagement across the College.
His previous roles as a department chair, director of graduate studies, professor and researcher provided extensive experience in strengthening academic programs and aligning them with institutional priorities, budget realities, student success goals and research capacity.
“Finding the right person to lead our Eberly College into the future was a significant undertaking,” incoming Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Beverly Wendland said. “We feel fortunate that Professor Thyne will be joining our team and stepping into this important role. I have every confidence that he will lead with integrity, compassion and optimism and that the College will thrive under his leadership.”
Thyne holds a doctoral degree and Master of Arts degree in political science from the University of Iowa, a Master of Education from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
A nationally recognized scholar in political science, Thyne’s research focuses on political instability, including coups d’état, civil conflict and democratization. Thyne’s scholarly foundation has shaped his expectations for research quality, mentoring and institutional supports necessary for faculty success across diverse disciplinary cultures.
“I’m honored to join West Virginia University and the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences,” Thyne said. “As a land-grant institution, WVU plays a vital role in expanding opportunity and supporting communities across the state. I’m excited to work alongside faculty, staff and students to strengthen academic programs, support research and creative activity, and ensure that students have access to meaningful, high-impact educational experiences.”
With an official start date of July 1, Thyne will follow Dean Gregory Dunaway, who will conclude his tenure as dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at the end of this academic year. Dunaway has served two terms as dean since 2016 and plans to continue working with the Eberly College and WVU in his professorial position.
During his tenure as dean, Dunaway oversaw the creation of significant programs at the University. The Bachelor of Science degrees in neuroscience, biology pre-medical, data science, earth and environmental science, and sustainability studies directly contributed to enrollment increases in the College.
“Dean Dunaway has been a valued member of the University’s leadership for many years, and we are deeply appreciative of his service,” Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider said. “His commitment to the faculty, students and staff of the Eberly College is a stellar example of servant leadership. We look forward to his continued contributions as a faculty member.”
A University search committee worked with Greenwood Asher & Associates, a full-service search firm, to attract and identify top candidates from across the country for the Eberly College dean position.
“Many thanks go to WVU College of Creative Arts and Media Dean Keith Jackson and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education Evan Widders for co-leading the search committee and for the members’ dedication to this effort over the last several months,” Kreider said.
Find more information about the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
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