Dr. Waide’s professional journey at Pierpont spans faculty, program director, dean, provost, and now president. As Provost and Vice President of Academics, he led the development and implementation of new academic and workforce pathways, strengthened accreditation practices, and introduced data-informed program review processes to ensure quality and sustainability. He administered multimillion-dollar academic and student services budgets, oversaw specialized accreditation compliance, and guided the College’s academic and strategic enrollment planning efforts. He also served as Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) to the Higher Learning Commission, helping prepare and position the institution for reaffirmation visits, drawing upon his experience with regional and specialized accreditation processes and from his work as an HLC peer reviewer.

As Interim President, Dr. Waide has advanced a 2024–2026 Strategic Plan centered on People, Programs, Partners, and Performance. Under his leadership, the College has expanded high-demand workforce programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology; launched an LPN/Paramedic-to-RN Bridge program; secured more than $2 million in competitive grants; and implemented a $1.5 million immersive learning initiative to strengthen student readiness for high-skill industries. Career training enrollment has grown significantly, first-time student enrollment has exceeded institutional goals, and the Pierpont Foundation recently surpassed $1 million in contributions for the first time in its history. Throughout this progress, he has emphasized shared governance, transparent communication, educational program innovation, industry partnerships, and community engagement across the College’s 13-county service region.

Dr. Waide’s leadership is shaped by both scholarship and lived experience. A native of Weirton, West Virginia, grew up in a steel-mill community where access to higher education was not always assumed. That background continues to inform his focus on first-generation students, adult learners, and rural communities. His doctoral research examined the resilience and persistence of nontraditional-aged community college students in rural Appalachia, a theme that informs his advocacy for guided pathways, workforce credentials, and inclusive student support systems.

Prior to his career in higher education administration, Dr. Waide served as Executive Director of the Wesley Foundation, where he expanded community partnerships, increased operational funding, and developed outreach and support programs for adult learners in higher education. His early leadership experience in nonprofit administration continues to influence his collaborative and community-centered approach.

Nationally, Dr. Waide is active in professional service and governance. He serves on the Board of Directors of the American Medical Technologists, along with several regional economic development and education boards. A frequent presenter and published scholar, he has contributed to conversations on healthcare workforce development, student resilience, instructional leadership, and community college innovation.

Dr. Waide holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education, a Master of Philosophy in Human Development from Syracuse University, a Master of Divinity from Emory University, and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from West Liberty University. He resides in Fairmont and remains deeply connected to his Appalachian roots, supporting the community with service.

Known for his steady presence, resilience, collaborative spirit, and belief that education should lead to meaningful opportunity, Dr. Waide approaches presidential leadership with both principled humility, seeking to “meet learners where they are.” His work reflects a consistent theme: expanding access, strengthening workforce alignment, and ensuring that every student has a clear and supported pathway to success.