September 14, 2026
Ryan Lovell, J.D. Named Chief Academic Officer at Wheeling University
WHEELING, W.Va., September 14 – Wheeling University has an experienced educational professional, Dr. Ryan Lovell, serving as its Chief Academic Officer.
“We welcome Dr. Lovell to the Wheeling University community. He is an accomplished leader who brings fresh ideas, vision, and dedication to our University,” said Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D. President of Wheeling University. As the Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Lovell oversees all academic programs.
Dr. Lovell works with the academic department chairs and program leads to ensure high-quality academic programing, while providing vision for the direction, creation, and revision of academic programs.
Additionally, Dr. Lovell oversees the Bishop Hodges Library, the Office of the Registrar, the Student Success Center, and Disability Services.
“I was first introduced to Wheeling in 2022 on an accreditation visit. From that first visit, I was impressed with everyone I met – students, faculty and staff,” Dr. Lovell said. “More importantly, I was struck by the mission and reminded how important a mission driven education is today. I am fortunate to be able to return to Wheeling in this new role and be a part of driving the University forward.”
Before coming to Wheeling University, Dr. Lovell was the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at Boston University. Prior to Boston University, he served as the licensure officer at Wheelock College. He served at Endicott College and worked with the Educator Preparation at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Additionally, Dr. Lovell served as a founding member of the board of trustees of the Bentley Academy Charter School in Salem, Massachusetts, and served as chair from 2015-2020. Dr. Lovell also serves as a volunteer reviewer for the Association for the Advancement of Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). He has led six reviews of colleges and university education programs, including Wheeling University’s review in 2022.
Originally from Maine, Dr. Lovell earned an undergraduate degree in History from the University of New Hampshire. He went onto receive a master’s in education from Saint Michael’s College and later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law.