Reyes’ desire to engage with students
and create meaningful change is what
led him to WVU. In less than two years,
he has taken on the role of Mountaineer
and true West Virginian. When he speaks
about the state, he naturally says “we”—
never “you.” As dean, he has made waves
at the business college with his motto
of doing things differently, revitalizing
the college’s commitment to experien-
tial learning, fostering entrepreneurship
and advancing economic growth in the
state and beyond. And at the heart of it
all lies the students.
“My colleagues and I can always agree
on one thing: we are here to create bigger
and better opportunities for the students
because if they are successful, they will
create successful communities here in
West Virginia and around the world,”
he says. “What sets our students apart is
the preparation we provide them. They
are honing their skills by working in real-
life situations and solving real problems
for real West Virginia businesses. We also
want our students to achieve a global
mindset, experiencing other cultures
through study abroad opportunities.”
Reyes earned his
Ph.D. in economics
from Texas A&M.
Moving West Virginia Forward
With the drive to influence and culti-
vate change, Reyes has consistently echoed
Gee’s message that one of WVU’s key re-
sponsibilities is to help the residents of
Almost Heaven. His bold adventure of
moving to the Appalachian region and his
analytical nature are subtle nods to Reyes’
high-energy, versatile and hard-working
leadership style and way of life. He is often
out and about, attending meetings with
alumni and industry professionals, par-
ticipating in strategic planning sessions
for the new B&E building complex and
engaging with WVU’s innovative busi-
ness students and young entrepreneurs.
His background in economics has also
allowed him to serve as a chief advocate
and leader for West Virginia Forward, the
collaborative initiative between WVU,
Marshall University and the West Virginia
Department of Commerce to advance the
state’s economic future. Reyes recognizes
the state’s opportunities to become just
as—if not more—economically diverse
and financially stable as the country’s
current top-ranking states.
With the high-caliber faculty and staff,
he says the business college is a key player
in that future. These experts are spear-
heading forward-thinking, life-changing
and industry-shaping endeavors.
“We sit right now in a place that has
been identified as a location where we
can create a secondary site for our energy
and petrochemicals,” says Reyes. “But
we have to innovate, which to me is the
most exciting component. We have to
create new technology, infrastructure and
methods. The worst thing we could do
is adopt a dated technology that doesn’t
fit who we are. As we go through this
transformation, we must find ways to be
more effective, efficient and productive.
We need to seize this opportunity and
set the road map that will transform the
state. And we have people that want to
help us do that.”
A Match Made in Almost Heaven
Reyes recognizing
Miran Kang as employee
of the quarter at the
University of Arkansas.
26
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
While Reyes came to West Virginia
with an outsider’s view, he held a bright
outlook on the state that has not changed.
His Mexican heritage and diverse back-
ground are part of who he is, and with it
he brings a fresh perspective to the table,
encouraging a diverse and inclusive stu-
dent body as well as a diverse and inclu-
sive business community.
Reyes with alumni at the annual B&E
Hospitality Tent prior to the WVU/Kansas
State game in 2016. Photo by Alex Wilson.
Reyes and his wife, Maritza, with the former
Mountaineer Mascot Troy Clemons at the 40th annual
WVU Alumni Crab Feast in 2017. Photo by Blair Dowler.
Reyes presenting at the 2016
Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
Photo by Alex Wilson.
“Diversity and inclusion are at the core
of our WVU values,” h