Edwin H Welch

Dr. Welch has been a BB&T director since 2011 and a Branch Bank director since 2013. He has served as President of the University of Charleston since 1989. Dr. Welch joined BB&T’s Board after 11 years on Branch Bank’s local advisory board in Charleston, West Virginia. He brings his vast knowledge of economics, political science and education to the BB&T Board. He understands the need for an organization to grow and evolve, as well as the related challenges in implementing such growth. As President of the University of Charleston, he has led the institution through unprecedented growth and fundraising, doubling full-time student enrollment, redefining the university’s mission, transforming its academic program and adding graduate schools of pharmacy and business. Dr. Welch also led the creation of a central administrative computing company, Independent College Enterprise, Inc., which serves seven colleges and universities. In 2006, he received the inaugural Charles L. Foreman Award for Innovation in Private Higher Education from the Foundation for Independent Higher Education. Dr. Welch was given the 2007 YMCA Spirit of the Valley Award in recognition of his exemplary community service.