Mr. Joshua David Cline of Bluefield, West Virginia has been named Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Bluefield University and will lead the Advancement Team at the University.
“Bluefield University holds a special place in my life, and I consider it a privilege to come back and serve the institution on staff. I look forward to sharing my story of how the University impacted my life, and how Bluefield University continues to impact the lives of many others with those that I meet and engage within this position,” said Cline.
Cline is no stranger to the two Bluefield’s. Prior to taking on this new role at Bluefield University, he served as the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias in Bluefield, West Virginia. In that role, he facilitated the merger of two neighboring, and often overlapping Chambers of Commerce.
Cline also previously served as the Assistant City Manager and Economic Redevelopment and Planning Director for the City of Bluefield, West Virginia where he was responsible for grant management, community and media relations, and establishing new economic development plans and initiatives that included a new business liaison program with local area businesses, cultivation of foundations and other funding sources, and program management of development programs.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in business management from Bluefield University in 2009, he served Bluefield University for one year as an advancement officer and three years as the director of alumni relations. He also has served as a member of the Bluefield University Board of Trustees.
Cline brings a wealth of community and civic engagement experience with him to his new role. He has been a past Chair of the City of Bluefield, West Virginia Planning Commission, Executive Committee member of Mercer County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Visit Southern West Virginia board member, Bluefield Young Life donor committee member, United Way of Southern West Virginia board member, Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives board member, has served on the Bluefield University Strategic Planning Team, is a board member of Blue Mountain Performing Arts, and also is a former Bluefield University Alumni Association board member. In addition, he is also a recipient of the State Journal of West Virginia’s 2015 Class of Generation Next: “40 under 40” Award in recognition of his community service.
“We are extremely excited to have Josh returning to the University to lead our relationship development and donor cultivation efforts. He possesses visionary leadership and great people skills that he will bring to our team,” said Bluefield University President, Dr. David Olive.
Cline will begin his duties in August.