Latest Headlines
Mountaineer Spotlight
Learn more about West Virginia University students, faculty and staff.
WVUToday on the radio
Gordon Gee radio spot - April 28, 2025
Transcript
Shauna Johnson: At West Virginia University, mountaineers go first. After leading higher education institutions for more than 44 years, including WVU two separate times, the coming months will be the last in the role of university president for the legendary, Gordon Gee.
Gordon Gee: I always loved West Virginia, that's the reason I returned. It's just a very special place.
Shauna Johnson: Gee came home to West Virginia's University in 2014, the place where he was first named president in 1981.
Gordon Gee: I've always felt very comfortable in my own shoes. I've always felt comfortable doing what I'm doing. I love what I do. I've never felt exhausted or I've never felt put upon. We've had enormous opportunities, enormous challenges, and sometimes a little hand-to-hand combat, but it's been a very energizing 45 years for me.
Shauna Johnson: It's that energy he says that makes him want to keep going.
Gordon Gee: I don't think anyone ever feels like they're quite ready to go. It's time, though. I was joking with someone the other day that all of a sudden I'm experiencing something I've never experienced before, and that is that I'm growing old. I don't feel that way, but I think that the timing is perfect for me. We've got a great new president coming in. University is in a very strong financial, social, cultural position, I believe, particularly given all of the things that are going on in the world, we are kind of a calming in a sea of turmoil right now.
Shauna Johnson: Gee counts the university's massive expansions in education and health care, along with its growing role as an economic engine for all of West Virginia among his greatest accomplishments. Above all, though, he says the university is its people, its faculty, staff, alumni, and students.
Gordon Gee: One of the characteristics of the West Virginia student body is the fact they love the place. There's just a real connection between the culture of the institution and the culture of our students, and both, I think, coincide to make it such a much better place.
Shauna Johnson: As he prepares to congratulate graduates during his final commencement ceremonies, the self-described happy warrior says he wants his legacy as president to be a university that encourages people to pursue their passions and their purpose.
Gordon Gee: Right to the end I'll be fighting to make certain that we continue to advance the institution.
Shauna Johnson: So let's go. Follow our stories at wvutoday.wvu.edu.
Additional News and Information
WVU Experts
West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics.
Latest Expert Pitch
In this tax filing season, a West Virginia University faculty member is providing tips to simplify the process and reduce stress.
Search for a WVUToday expert
Research at WVU
Two West Virginia University researchers — Camila Romero from Morgantown and Christopher Smith from Point Pleasant — are recipients of the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, a program that supports graduate education in STEM-based fields.
West Virginia University contributes to and supports The Conversation, an international news source that seeks out academics to provide independent, high quality, authenticated, explanatory journalism to promote better understanding of current affairs and complex issues.
Read StoriesAbout
WVUToday is the source for news and information regarding West Virginia University.
Media Outlets: Please be advised that content viewed on WVUToday is intended for publication. West Virginia University grants editorial usage of content presented on WVUToday in your legacy and online publications. Credit should be given to WVU/Strategic Communications and Marketing.
Contact
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest WVU news and information.
Strategic Communications and Marketing, Office of Communications
West Virginia University
2nd Floor Marina Tower, 48 Donley St.
P.O. Box 6688, Morgantown, WV 26506-6688
304-293-6997