MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- A longtime advocate for inclusiveness is West Virginia University's new chief diversity officer.

David Fryson is currently deputy general counsel in WVU's Office of Legal Affairs. He'll assume his new duties Sept. 17.

President Jim Clements says diversity on campus is a strategic objective, and Fryson is dedicated to the cause.

Fryson practiced law for more than 20 years before joining WVU. He's a graduate of both West Virginia State College and the WVU College of Law, where he served on the Moot Court Board and as president of the Black Law Students Association.

WVU's Social Justice office will report to Fryson. It ensures compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal anti-discrimination regulations.

Fryson succeeds Jennifer McIntosh, who's transitioning to retirement.