WHEELING — Wheeling University President Dianna M. Vargo on Friday announced the hiring of Ricky Moore as the institution’s Associate Vice President for Development.

Moore, a 2004 graduate and former track and cross country coach, will forge partnerships to better position Wheeling University and its mission to educate men and women for life, leadership and service, Vargo said.

“I am pleased that Ricky has returned to serve his alma mater. He understands the importance of forging partnerships and the impact they will have in our efforts to enhance and upgrade our academic programs, our learning spaces, and campus facilities,” she said.

Moore is also excited to be back at the University and looks forward to working with alumni, as well as area businesses and community leaders to expand and grow Wheeling University.

“It is an honor to return to the place that has truly been the foundation of my life,” Moore said. “The ideals and values we live here at Wheeling University have a profound impact on the students and by extension, their communities — and that has certainly been true in my life.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Vargo and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to help build on the sense of renewed purpose here at Wheeling University,” he continued. “I look forward to reconnecting with our proud alumni and community to share the great things happening at Wheeling University.

Following graduation, Moore pursued a professional running career under the sponsorship of Saucony. In 2007, he returned to Wheeling University to become the head coach for the cross country and track and field programs. During his 12 years at the helm, Moore had hundreds of his athletes win recognition at the conference, regional and national levels. More than 90 members of his teams were NCAA Division II national qualifiers, and 11 were NCAA DII All-Americans. During 2017, Moore served as Wheeling University’s interim athletic director.

In 2019, Moore left the University to become the sports director at the Highlands Sports Complex. At the complex, he planned and executed all phases of event logistics. He helped with marketing the complex and events by serving as a liaison with various community organizations.

The Wheeling native also serves on the board of directors for the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He and his wife Bethany have three children Redick, Rylan, and Ryker, who reside in Wheeling.