Wren Baker is officially the new Vice President and Director of Athletics at West Virginia University, the school announced Wednesday afternoon.
It was reported Wednesday morning that Baker would be replacing Shane Lyons who parted ways with West Virginia University earlier this month.
“I am incredibly grateful to President Gee, Rob Alsop, the search committee and Board of Governors for the opportunity to serve as vice president and director of athletics at West Virginia University,” Baker said. “WVU boasts a powerful brand reputation and a storied academic and athletic history. My family and I can’t wait to get to Morgantown to build relationships and help take Mountaineer Athletics to even greater heights.”
Baker comes to West Virginia having spent six years at University of North Texas. During his time there, UNT combined for 17 conference or division championships, and he led 18 head coaching searches and his hires have a winning percentage of almost 70%.
“I am thrilled to welcome Wren Baker to the West Virginia University family as our new athletic director and I have no doubt his personality and energy will connect with our student-athletes and coaches, as well as our campus community and alumni,” West Virginia University President Gordon Gee said.
At UNT, Baker led the university to record four of their best fundraising years ever, and the top five gifts at UNT came under Baker’s guidance.
“When we began this search, we were determined to find someone who could lead in the modern realities of intercollegiate athletics and build on the legacy of his predecessors,” Gee added. “We wanted someone who clearly understood the dynamics of a fast-changing athletics environment and had found success being at the forefront of this new world that includes managing NIL and the portal. We looked at a number of well-qualified candidates and, at the end of the day, Wren met every one of our needs.”
Baker will begin his tenure at WVU on Dec. 19 under a six-year agreement through Dec. 31, 2028. His yearly compensation will be $1.1M, plus additional incentives.
