Inspired by his own family tragedy, West Virginia University School of Medicine graduating senior Jonathan “Tucker” Bennett is on a mission to save others through emergency medicine.
Twenty incoming West Virginia University students from across the Mountain State who are driven by shared passions for innovation and service have been named the 2026-27 cohort of Bucklew Scholars. From this distinguished group, five have been selected as Foundation Scholars, the highest academic scholarship the University awards.
In recognition of their dedicated service in the health, retail and legal fields, West Virginia University will award honorary degrees to Arthur Gabriel, co-founder of Gabriel Brothers, Tom Jones, former WVU Health System president and CEO, and former West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Beth Walker during May Commencement.
West Virginia University student and Fairmont native Rozaireo “Ro” Jones has been selected for the Truman Scholarship, one of the nation’s top graduate fellowships, for his commitment to public service, journalism and civic engagement.
For the first time, West Virginia University has four recipients of the Goldwater Scholarship — Caden Ginter from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Mason Powell from Canaan Valley, Cloe Ratliff from Morgantown and Camndon Reed from Watertown, Massachusetts — who were chosen for their strong commitment to continuing careers in research.
A senior executive who has spent the past 14 years in progressive roles at the West Virginia University Foundation has been named the organization’s new vice president and chief financial officer/treasurer. Melissa L. Simpson will begin her new position July 1.
West Virginia University senior and Glen Dale native Isabella Linton chose neuroscience because it’s a new and rapidly changing field. As a student, she’s gained vast experience in research and learned more about the role stress plays in women’s health. Linton plans to work in the field for a year after her May graduation before enrolling in a clinical psychology graduate program.
Continuing a West Virginia University tradition, Reese Allen — a senior mechanical engineering and data science major in the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources — officially began his duties as the 72nd Mountaineer mascot during a symbolic rifle passing ceremony at the Mountainlair on Friday (April 17).
West Virginia University continues to operate on solid financial ground with a “stable outlook,” according to the three largest credit rating agencies. President Michael T. Benson reported positive ratings from S&P Global, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s during Friday’s (April 17) Board of Governors meeting.
West Virginia University Police issued a Community Notice following an alleged attempted armed robbery and quick arrest on the Downtown area of campus around 1 p.m. Thursday (April 16).