As I stated upon my return to West Virginia University, the 1.8 million residents of the Mountain State must believe in their hearts and minds that West Virginia University is their University.

To begin that dialogue, I am currently engaged in visiting the 55 counties of West Virginia. As of late June, I have already logged visits to 31 counties.

The message I am bringing in each community is that West Virginians are important to the vitality of our institution. And in turn, our institution — a research, land-grant university — is important to the vitality of West Virginians.

Therefore, it is incredibly important for us to weave a common gold-and-blue thread from Weirton to Welch and all points between.

By connecting with our neighbors in the corner coffee shops, the public schools, the fairs and festivals, and the small-town Chambers of Commerce, we can make the connections between the University and West Virginians a reality.

To our alumni and friends, I hope to see you on the road this summer. In the meantime, follow me here to see where my latest travels have taken me.

Together we can continue to take West Virginia University — and West Virginia — to even greater heights.

Sincerely,

E. Gordon Gee
President, West Virginia University