Robin Capehart is a nationally recognized leader in higher education and public service, whose dynamic career spans university presidencies, state government, legal practice, consulting, and creative ventures.

Capehart is a two-time university president who most recently led Bluefield State University from 2019 to 2023 through a period of transformative growth and achievement. Under his leadership, Bluefield State attained university status, launched its first graduate degree, introduced new health science programs, and reversed enrollment declines during the global pandemic.

He improved the university’s financial standing, oversaw the acquisition and redevelopment of a major medical center, and opened campus housing for the first time in over 50 years. He established the Emerging Scholars Program for high-achieving students, revitalized fundraising, and led Bluefield State to the highest possible rating from the Higher Learning Commission.

Capehart also added 11 new varsity sports—including the return of football after more than 40 years—and guided the university’s reentry into the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

Previously, Capehart served for eight years as President of West Liberty University, where he presided over record enrollment and fundraising, the construction of a $22 million health sciences building, and the introduction of innovative graduate programs, including the state’s only terminal physician assistant degree at a regional university.

He led the university to higher U.S. News and World Report rankings, improved retention and graduation rates, and expanded online education and adult learner initiatives. He also served as President of the West Virginia Council of College Presidents, Chairman of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and was the founding and first Chair of the Mountain East Conference.

Capehart was also a member of the NCAA Division II President’s Council and the President’s Trust of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

Beyond higher education, Capehart’s leadership experience includes serving as Secretary of Tax and Revenue for the State of West Virginia, where he led several state agencies including the Banking, Insurance, Lottery, Racing, Municipal Bond and Alcohol Beverage Control commissions.

He chaired the Governor’s Commission on Fair Taxation, which conducted the most comprehensive review of the state’s tax structure in its history and was recognized nationally for its reform process. He also chaired the Governor’s Committee on Government Reorganization, the Industrial Revenue Bond Allocation Commission, and the Retail Liquor Licensing Board.

Capehart’s career began in legal practice and public service, where he served as Chief Administrative Law Judge for the State Tax Department and as an assistant prosecuting attorney. In academia, he has held tenured and adjunct faculty appointments at multiple institutions, including Marshall University—where he was named “Teacher of the Year”—and as a Fulbright Scholar at Moldova State University’s College of Law.

Currently, Capehart is Principal Fellow of The Carnegie Academy, a collective of higher education leaders dedicated to helping colleges and universities achieve their mission and goals. He is also a Senior Consultant at Collegiate Consulting, advising institutions nationwide on strategy, financial sustainability, enrollment management, curriculum, and leadership.

As a member of the John Maxwell Certified Leadership Team, Capehart is committed to developing current and future leaders in higher education and public service.

A magna cum laude graduate and Phi Beta Kappa member of West Virginia University, Capehart holds a law degree from WVU and a graduate law degree in taxation from Georgetown University. He has been honored with an honorary doctorate and numerous awards for teaching, leadership, and public service, including being named a “Distinguished West Virginian” by Governor Cecil Underwood.

He resides in Jonesborough, Tennessee, with his wife, Dr. Amanda Banks, a professor at East Tennessee State University. Robin Capehart continues to inspire, advise, and develop leaders in higher education, government, and beyond.

Expert Topics: Transformational Leadership, Institutional Growth & Turnaround, Strategic Planning, Enrollment Management, Change Management, Fiscal Sustainability, Public Policy, Board & Governance Relations, Athletic Program Development.

Book Robin Capehart for your next keynote, panel, or workshop and discover how proven leadership can drive sustainable, results-focused transformation in higher education and public service.