Paul Heddings

Paul Heddings joined West Virginia University as Director of Academic Integrity in March 2022. In his role, Paul is responsible for investigating and adjudicating allegations of academic dishonesty by students at West Virginia University, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, and West Virginia University Potomac State College. 

Prior to joining WVU Paul practiced law in the state of Missouri, serving most recently as the Chief Prosecutor for the White Collar and Public Corruption Unit of the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office in Kansas City. In this role, Paul oversaw the investigation and prosecution of complex criminal schemes including health care fraud, securities fraud, large-scale embezzlement operations, election fraud, and tax evasion. Paul also investigated and prosecuted sensitive matters of public corruption in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including working with clandestine operations and as a special prosecutor to assist other Missouri Counties.  

Prior to becoming a prosecutor, Paul served as Assistant Legal Counsel to former Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and as Legal Counsel for the Missouri Department of Corrections. In these roles, Paul was responsible for overseeing various functions of state government, including the promulgation and enforcement of state policies and regulations. During Paul’s time with the Missouri Department of Corrections, he was involved with the development of Missouri’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative – a reevaluation and overhaul of Missouri’s criminal justice system.

In his free time, Paul serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Alphapointe, a non-profit organization serving to empower and employ individuals with visual disabilities. 

Paul received BAs in History and Political Science from the University of Missouri in 2013, and his JD from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2016.