Gov. Patrick Morrisey (right) speaks to members of the WVU Board of Governors during a meeting Friday (Sept. 12) at the Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown. (WVU Photo/Brian Persinger)
As West Virginia University welcomes its largest freshman class in several years, President Michael T. Benson sees many reasons for optimism — a message he delivered to members of the University’s Board of Governors during a Friday (Sept. 12) meeting.
“Again and again, as I travel throughout campus and across the Mountain State, I am seeing and hearing how much WVU means to so many people — to our students, our faculty and staff, and also our alumni and the many others who proudly don gold and blue to cheer on the Mountaineers,” Benson said.
To keep the momentum going, incoming Vice President for Enrollment Management Fabrizio D’Aloisio presented his strategic vision for enrollment, which includes a focus on West Virginia students while broadening the University’s reach beyond the state’s borders in a financially responsible and reputation-building way through campuswide partnerships.
“Through a seamless and personalized enrollment journey, we will attract future leaders prepared to innovate and contribute to the economic prosperity of West Virginia and the wider world,” D’Aloisio said. “Our efforts will be data-driven, creating a supportive environment where every student can thrive.”
Gov. Patrick Morrisey attended the meeting ahead of Saturday’s (Sept. 13) 108th “Backyard Brawl.”
“It was an honor to address the Board of Governors, and I look forward to working with them to help WVU excel,” Gov. Morrisey said. “I’m excited to be a part of the bright future ahead for the University and the Mountain State.”
At a time of profound change, the Board voted unanimously for a resolution in support of WVU Athletics, calling for the development of a financial plan that positions the University “in the top funding tier among Big 12 institutions, while simultaneously strengthening the University’s paramount core academic mission.”
“A strong and visible Athletics program is essential to advancing student enrollment, enriching the student experience, strengthening alumni and donor engagement, supporting recruitment of talented faculty and staff, and providing a source of pride and connection for Mountaineer fans in West Virginia and around the world,” said Robert “Rusty” Hutson Jr., BOG chair.
The Board also approved:
• The naming of the field at the Pride Practice Facility, the new Mountaineer Marching Band rehearsal site located at the Med Fields on the Health Sciences area of campus, for Don Wilcox, the beloved longtime band director who died in May 2024.
• A new online master’s degree program in cybersecurity at the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources that will be available to students next fall, adding to a range of existing programs.
• The $4.2 million project budget for the WVU Extension Jackson’s Mill comprehensive renovation project at the 22-room Jackson Lodge, the first significant renovations of the lodge since it opened in 1968. The work, which will include the development of a new visitor’s center at the lodge, is being paid for with WVU Extension Foundation funds and should be finished by next summer.
• An amendment to BOG Talent and Culture Rule 3.5 — Employee Leave which will streamline processes and better support incoming University employees.
View the Sept. 12 BOG regular meeting agenda and meeting materials.
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 7.
-WVU-
sj/9/12/25
MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; sjohns13@mail.wvu.edu
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.