By the time Rockefeller became president of West Virginia Wesleyan College at the age of 36, he had already served in West Virginia as a VISTA Volunteer, two years in the House of Delegates, and as Secretary of State for four years. As a well-known public figure, he brought state and national notice to the school; and energy, and excitement to campus. He went on to serve as the Governor of West Virginia for eight years and U.S. Senator for thirty.