David M. Fryson, Esq.

Interim Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
JD, West Virginia University College of Law

David M. Fryson is the interim chief diversity officer and vice president for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Fryson is a dynamic speaker, an experienced attorney, innovative educator, inspiring writer, empowering manager, an engaged mediator, skilled musician and an exceptional motivator.

Fryson brings much experience to his interim role. Most recently, he served as the senior advisor to West Virginia University (WVU) President E. Gordon Gee for Diversity Community Outreach, a role from which he retired in 2020. He also served WVU as its founding vice president for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and as its deputy general counsel.

Fryson also practiced law for almost 30 years in a variety of legal and advocacy settings. He was the attorney in historic civil rights cases and other major litigation. He also served as the first African American chief legal official for two municipalities in West Virginia and, before becoming an attorney, served on the Governor's Economic Development staff for two West Virginia governors.

Fryson has received many honors during his distinguished career. Recently he received the Certificate of Recognition from the West Virginia Governor’s Office and WV Human Rights, was recognized as a West Virginia Bar Fellow, and received a national Role Model Administrator Award from Minority Access, Incorporated.

Fryson is also an ordained pastor and has served as an elder and pastor for over 35 years. He is currently the senior pastor of the New First Baptist Church of Kanawha City. Known for his understanding of African American political and cultural history, Fryson writes a statewide newspaper column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail.

Fryson earned a bachelor’s degree in education from West Virginia State University and a JD from West Virginia University College of Law.