Dr. J. Frederick (Fred) Gage joined the University on Feb. 7, 2000 as the Vice President for Information Services. Gage comes to WCU from Cleveland (Ohio) State University (CSU), where he had served as Vice Provost for Information Technology and Academic Innovation since February 1997.

In his role there, he implemented PeopleSoft administrative systems in finance, HRMS and student information systems.  At the same time, CSU was shifting from quarters to semesters, necessitating a shift from an IBM/MVS/DB2 installation to a Sun/Oracle solution.  In conjunction with the PeopleSoft implementation, Gage also coordinated an extensive business process redesign effort.

Gage oversaw the creation of an adaptive computing lab in the university's library, as well as upgrades to all public campus computing labs.  He supervised the installation of a 3400-line NEC PBX and the rewiring of the campus.  He was instrumental in the creation of the Center for Academic Technology Services, which integrated elements of the library, information service and technology, instructional media services and academic technology.

Gage earned both his doctorate and his master's in educational communications and technology at the University of Pittsburgh, and his bachelor's of science in secondary education at West Virginia University.

Prior to his position at CSU, Gage filled the newly created role of associate vice president for instructional technology at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill.  He enjoyed a long relationship with the University of Pittsburgh, during which he served as assistant provost for computing and telecommunications, associate director of the "Campus of the Future Project: The Research Model," and director of the University Center for Instructional Resources, among other roles.

Gage was named a 1977 Outstanding Young Man of America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.