WHEELING — Ginny Favede has been selected as Wheeling University’s 13th president after the board of trustees announced her appointment Monday afternoon.

Favede takes over in the place of the former president, Michael P. Mihalyo Jr., who has been suspended from his role since early August. Favede was elected to serve as chairwoman of the university’s board of trustees in July, and her successor to that role will be chosen by the board in coming weeks.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the thirteenth President of Wheeling University, and to continue the positive momentum and collaborative process that our administrators, faculty, and staff have fostered throughout the Wheeling community,” Favede states in a press release issued Monday afternoon. “I am grateful for the confidence of (Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston) Bishop Mark Brennan, and the support of the Board of Trustees. I look forward to working closely with our faculty and staff, as we lead Wheeling University into a bold new era of academic, athletic, and administrative excellence.”

Favede is a St. Clairsville resident and previously served as a Belmont County commissioner and St. Clairsville councilwoman.

To step into her new role at Wheeling University, she is leaving her position as executive director of the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council.

“I am leaving the OVCEC to join a community that truly inspires me. I am honored beyond words by the invitation to serve as Wheeling University’s 13th President,” Favede said.

“I look forward to taking all I have learned throughout my career and helping the faculty, students, and staff, in the words of the University Motto – ‘Luceat Lux Vestra – Let Your Light Shine’ – and provide opportunities for our students to find their place in the world and be the best they can be.”

Brennan accepted the recommendation of Favede by the board, saying he hopes she will provide positive guidance to the school.

“Ginny has been instrumental in helping the school move in a positive direction over the past ten months as a board member and then Chair of the board.

As the only Catholic institution of higher learning in the state of West Virginia, we stand behind Ginny, the board, faculty, staff and students as the University works to fulfill the mission of Christ in our region,” Brennan said.

On Friday, Mihalyo filed a civil lawsuit against the university, claiming that he was suspended after submitting to trustees budget outlooks that projected the school could run out of money by December. The suit also alleges widespread fraud and cover-up attempts among school officials regarding financial matters.