Former West Virginia University President Gordon Gee Joins Brownstein as Strategic Consulting Advisor

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is pleased to announce that former West Virginia University President Gordon Gee has joined the firm as a strategic consulting advisor in its Washington, D.C., office.

“We’re honored to have my good friend Gordon lend his deep expertise to our Higher Education Task Force, where he will partner with Marc Lampkin, Evan Corcoran and Radha Mohan,” said Norm Brownstein, Brownstein’s founder and chairman. “With his extraordinary background in higher education leadership, Gordon’s guidance will help ensure our efforts reflect the transformation higher education institutions are experiencing while positioning us to drive meaningful change for colleges and universities across the country.”

Gee is recognized as one of the most influential figures in higher education, serving as president of five universities throughout his career, including West Virginia University, the Ohio State University, Vanderbilt University, Brown University and the University of Colorado. Gee’s stewardship has been crucial as American colleges and universities navigate their most transformative era – with rapid advances in technology, shifting enrollment trends and state and federal policies transforming the higher education experience.

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with Brownstein’s distinguished team of policy experts,” said Gee. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how strategic engagement can elevate the mission of higher education. Partnering with Brownstein allows me to continue advocating for transformative change in colleges and universities.”

Gee’s legal and policy leadership—rooted in his early work as a judicial fellow on the United States Supreme Court—underpins his approach to creating value for students and families, while helping institutions of higher education remain mission-focused on advancing personal growth and societal progress. He has led efforts to modernize university operations, increase the value of higher education and secure funding through strategic engagement with policymakers. Named one of the top 10 university presidents by Time magazine and listed as the top president in the nation by Great Value Colleges, Gee’s legacy includes transformative fundraising campaigns, academic restructuring, economic development efforts and bold administrative reforms that have reshaped the role of universities in public life.

“My association with Gordon Gee began when he became the youngest president of a major university. He served as president of five top-tier universities in his career and became one of the most prolific leaders in higher education,” said Joe Manchin, former West Virginia senator. “Bringing Gordon’s experience and wisdom to the largest lobbying firm in America (Brownstein), is a home run for higher education.”