The Commission consists of nine members, seven of whom are appointed by the governor, and two ex-officio members: State Superintendent of Schools, and Chairperson of the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education.

The Commission employs a staff of about seventy employees that is headed by the Chancellor and includes the following divisions: Academic Affairs; Administrative Services; Chancellor’s Office; Finance and Facilities; Financial Aid; Health Sciences; Human Resources; Legal Services; Policy and Planning; Science and Research; and Student Affairs.