Ericke S. Cage

Ericke S. Cage, J.D., LL.M., is President of West Virginia State University (WVSU), a public, 1890 land-grant institution. A forward-focused, impact-driven executive, he is recognized for translating strategy into measurable outcomes that expand access, strengthen institutions, and advance mission-aligned growth.

Since joining WVSU in 2021 and assuming the presidency in 2022, President Cage has led a comprehensive change-management agenda centered on fiscal resilience, student success, and partnership-powered growth. Under his leadership, WVSU has strengthened its liquidity and overall financial health; 

secured $26.11 million in gifts, including a record $11.63 million fundraising year; and publicly launched the $25 million State of Tomorrow capital campaign, surpassing $25 million raised in the second year of a five-year effort. He also secured $50 million in state funding for a new Agricultural Research Laboratory and advanced the Purdy School of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, supported by a historic $2.5 million gift from the Purdy family.

President Cage has positioned WVSU as an innovation and workforce-development engine. His administration launched the university’s first doctoral program, the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership; expanded cybersecurity programs; and opened West Virginia’s first cybersecurity clinic of its kind with $1 million in support from Google.org. In 2025, WVSU was designated a Carnegie Research College and University, reflecting growth in research activity and sponsored programs. He also expanded the university’s public footprint through the WVSU Center in downtown Charleston, strengthening lifelong learning, workforce development, and community engagement.

Nationally, President Cage chairs the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Council of 1890 University Presidents and the 1890 Universities Foundation Board of Directors, and he serves on the APLU Board of Directors. The HBCU Campaign Fund recognized him as one of the Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2025.

Earlier in his career, President Cage served on the executive cabinet at Norfolk State University, led government affairs for Teach For America, and held policy and legal roles in the U.S. House of Representatives. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Tech, a Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School, and a Master of Laws from The George Washington University Law School. Cage has completed professional education at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, and the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College.

President Cage is married to West Virginia State University First Lady Roa Cage.