McCarver to support women in higher education as state executive board member

Bowling Green State University’s Chief Human Resources Officer Viva McCarver is a strong supporter of all employees. Now she is taking on an additional, statewide role specifically advancing and supporting women in higher education. McCarver has been named to the Executive Board of the ACE (American Council on Education) Women’s Network - Ohio.

She will serve a two-year term with the organization, which is part of a national system of networks within each state, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Each state network is led by a state chair who works with institutional representatives and at least one presidential sponsor to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link and support (IDEALS) women in higher education careers within that state. 

The WNO Executive Board has a maximum of 16 members representing Ohio public and private colleges and universities, as well as community colleges.

“Board members are administrators and faculty leaders, and are invited to serve on the board because of their particular expertise, the institution in which they work, and/or their demonstrated commitment to advancing the work and mission of WNO,” according to Dr. Denise McCory, state co-chair of the Women’s Network.

Although McCarver had long admired the background and history of the ACE Women’s Network, when the opportunity to join the Executive Board presented itself, she had to carefully consider accepting, she said, because it involves a significant time commitment.

“But the mission of the organization really fits with a passion I have and touches me in a different way,” she said. “It promotes professional development and support for women, which is truly needed in today’s climate.

“Also, I want to ensure that I best utilize my position on the board to enhance BGSU and ensure the information, opportunities and resources are made available to all employees. I think it serves us well to have me on the board.”

In addition, the current board members, many of whom she already knows well, “really exemplify the mission of the network, both personally and professionally,” she said.

McCarver joined BGSU in 2013 as manager of employee relations/employment after more than 20 years of progressive experience in management and human resources in the private sector. She was promoted to associate director of the Office of Human Resources in 2014 and to her current position as chief human resources officer in 2015.

She has a bachelor's degree in business management and a master's degree in leadership and organizational development, both from The University of Findlay. 

“We are grateful to Viva for stepping into this demanding new role that includes monthly Executive Board conference calls, two all-day, in­ person meetings, an overnight summer planning retreat, presence at the annual November WNO state conference, and additional committee work,” McCory said in a letter to President Rodney Rogers. “She is a tremendously talented leader, as I am sure you are aware, and we look forward to her making a great impact in our state network as well as on your campus.”