BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Former West Virginia Wesleyan College President William “Bill” Haden died March 15, 2025 after a lifetime in service to his country, higher education institutions and the United Methodist Church.

Haden served as WVWC’s 17th president from 1995 to 2006 where he led the College into the new millennium. 

Dr. James Moore, the College’s 20th President, said, “President Haden’s leadership, advocacy, and tireless efforts for Wesleyan and all of higher education serve as an inspiration to all of us. I am grateful for his work for our College, which continues to bear meaningful fruit to this day. I am reminded at this time that we are all stewards of the College’s past, present, and future.”

“I am grateful for the leadership and love that both President Haden and his late wife Betsy gave to West Virginia Wesleyan, and I extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this sad time.”

Early in his tenure, Haden created the President’s Commission on the Future of the College to clarify goals for the new century. Growing technology, the dedication of the French See Dining Hall and several building renovations marked Haden’s presidency.

Vice President for Advancement Kristi Wilkerson ‘99 said, “As a freshman in the fall of 1995, I met Bill and his wife Betsy Flanagan, who were also relatively new to WVWC at the time. From that point on, they always greeted me with warm hospitality.  I fondly remember Orientation and Commencement gatherings for students and their families at the President’s Home on Pocahontas Street with live music and great conversation with faculty and staff.  I remember dinners at their home where students were encouraged to dress in “smart casual” attire – something they did to help us learn the art of networking.  And just last week a colleague and I reminisced about bobcat pawprint cookies that only appeared at official presidential events throughout Bill’s tenure at Wesleyan.  

“Others may remember President Haden as ushering in the days of being a ThinkPad institution with an early focus on technology, his advocacy for student international travel, or his engagement of alumni and donors through the Board of Trustees, National Advisory Council, and so on.  Some may also remember his commitment and service to the United Methodist Church.”

Click here for the full obituary. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.