Published: January 23, 2008 10:10 pm         

Mountain State University official named 2008 ‘Young Gun’

West Virginia Executive magazine’s selection of 37-year-old Roslyn Artis as one of its “Young Guns” for 2008 is an obvious choice for those who know the up and coming Mountain State University official.

“Roslyn Artis is one of the most talented young executives I have had the pleasure to work with,” MSU President Charles Polk said. “She is most deserving of this recognition.”

A story on Artis is featured in the Fall 2007 edition of the business magazine.

“It’s very humbling and somewhat gratifying,” Artis said. “For me, the biggest thing is it is encouraging.”

The magazine’s story begins with Artis’ childhood and how she was taught the importance of education and hard work.

“Hard work has not been an option in my life,” she told the magazine. “My parents taught me the value of hard work very early on.”

The story moves through her teenage years and into her college days.

It follows her career as a lawyer and on to her current position as vice president of university advancement for MSU.

Artis said she has not accomplished anything alone.

“I have always had great mentors in my life, like my aunt, Augusta Clark, who I talk about in the article,” she said.

Artis says she knows many current and past “Young Gun” selections.

“They are just terrific people who have done wonderful things for their communities and for West Virginia,” she said. “Hopefully, I, too, will be able to accomplish some things and also be able to make a difference.”

Does she feel any pressure associated with this type of honor?

“Of course, I do,” she said. “This recognition kind of creates a certain expectation and it will push me to work even harder now.”

The magazine and Artis story is available online at www.wvexecutive.com

— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com