Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,
After concluding a national search with a strong candidate pool, I am pleased to appoint Charles Barber as the George Washington University’s permanent Vice President and General Counsel.
Charles has been a crucial member of my leadership team since I joined the university, offering sound judgment and guidance through a wide range of legal matters, from business operations and strategic partnerships to our response to the pandemic. Charles’ legal acumen, collaborative leadership approach, and relationships across our campuses have benefitted our students, faculty, and staff and continued to strengthen the Office of the General Counsel. I have been particularly impressed by Charles’ thoughtfulness and sharp focus on doing what is right for our university and community.
A higher education legal expert who has decades of experience at major research universities in D.C., Charles has served our Office of the General Counsel since 1996, including as Deputy General Counsel and, since June 2021, as the Interim Vice President and General Counsel. Charles also is a part-time member of the faculty: He has taught higher education law at GW Law since 2012 and previously taught in the Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
I want to share my deepest appreciation to the Search Committee, chaired by Professor Karen Brown of the GW Law School, which included faculty, staff, and trustees. The search was conducted by Major, Lindsey & Africa, the world’s leading legal search firm.
As we embark on our third century, I am certain that Charles is well equipped to continue to support our community and the fulfillment of our academic mission. Please join me in congratulating Charles on his permanent role!
Sincerely yours,
Mark S. Wrighton
President