During the Friday (Nov. 7) Board of Governors meeting, WVU President Michael T. Benson reported a record retention rate of more than 85% for Fall 2025 on the Morgantown Campus. At the same time, first-time freshman enrollment across the WVU System increased by more than 7%. (WVU Photo/Jennifer Shephard)
Calling it “a win for students, families and the Mountain State,” West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson announced a University retention record during the Board of Governors meeting Friday (Nov. 7).
On the Morgantown Campus, the Fall 2025 retention rate from freshman to sophomore years set a new record at more than 85%. At the same time, first-time freshman enrollment across the WVU System increased by more than 7%.
“We have many reasons to feel good about where we are and where we’re going as a University,” Benson said. “At a tumultuous time in higher education, overall enrollment is holding steady while already strong, state-leading retention numbers continue to improve.”
To build on that momentum, Benson unveiled his Strategic Compass, which provides a pathway forward for the University at a pivotal time, and reflects months of work to gather input and craft a plan that will set the course for the long-term success of WVU.
The Strategic Compass includes five priorities — education, discovery, health, service and experiences — with foundational areas to accelerate institutional success in people and culture, finance, core infrastructure and institutional reputation.
All are united by five guiding principles centered on “Let’s Go!” — the University’s rallying cry.
L — Lead with pride.
E — Empower through education.
T — Transform lives.
S — Stake our claim.
G — Grow our reach.
O — Outperform our competition.
The principles are reflected in the University’s updated mission statement: “At WVU, pride in our land-grant mission runs deep, success is earned, and life-changing experiences prepare Mountaineers to serve others and lead in West Virginia and the world. Your bold future starts here. Let’s Go!”
With a full understanding of the importance of Athletics and answering fan calls for premium seating options, the Board provided initial approval to two projects in the Athletics Master Plan: the first phase of the Milan Puskar Stadium West Tower Project and the Hope Coliseum Premium Seating Project.
“In addition to serving our fans, growing our premium seating offerings in our two main competition venues is critical to producing long-term revenue streams that are vital to our future growth and success,” Wren Baker, vice president and director of Athletics, said.
“The end result will enhance the game-day experience at both venues, give fans access to new seating options and amenities, while also making Milan Puskar Stadium more viable for concerts and other events. We are excited about these projects, because they will benefit WVU in a multitude of ways for many years, and I cannot thank President Benson and our Board of Governors enough for their continued support.”
The first phase of the planned Milan Puskar Stadium West Tower Project calls for the demolition of the current press box, which has not been significantly renovated since 1980, to make way for a new and expanded tower.
In its conceptual stages, the total cost of the West Tower Project is estimated at more than $150 million with financing to come from a combination of fundraising, sales, naming and sponsorship efforts. Additional Board approvals will be necessary in the future.
The $1.5 million Hope Coliseum Premium Seating Project includes the addition of 85 loge- and 16 ledge-style upscale seating areas.
Taking a key step in the most significant capital project at WVU Potomac State College in more than 20 years, the Board signed off on the $4.9 million budget for a comprehensive renovation project at the PSC Science Hall Lab.
“These renovations are critical for the future and vitality of WVU Potomac State College,” PSC President Jerry Wallace said, noting that the classrooms have not been renovated in nearly 75 years. “It’s essential that we modernize these spaces to attract new students.”
Funding sources include more than $3 million in state and Higher Education Policy Commission deferred maintenance grant funding, $600,000 from the University’s capital pool and $1 million from WVU Medicine to support School of Nursing students.
“This signals to our prospective students and our community that WVU is committed to the success of Potomac State College and the important role this College serves in the WVU System,” Wallace said.
Work is scheduled to be finished by the start of the Fall 2026 semester.
Additionally, the Board officially received the University’s FY 2025 audit report, including audit statements with an unqualified or “clean” audit opinion.
“The University’s balance sheet remains stable with adequate current assets to meet current obligations,” said Barbara Weiss, interim chief financial officer and vice president of Finance.
In other action, the Board approved:
• The $1.29 million budget for the replacement of the J.W. Ruby Research, Education and Outreach Center horse barn in Preston County which was destroyed in a fire on Dec. 13, 2024. Work will begin this month and is on track to be completed by May 2026.
• A new Master of Science in Plant and Soil Sciences program to launch within the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Fall 2026.
• A new Master of Arts program in Strategic Organizational Communication to launch within the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences in Fall 2026.
• A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for amendments to BOG Rule Talent and Culture Rule 3.4 — Drug and Alcohol Testing for FTA and FMCSA Covered Positions. The proposed changes amend the Rule to better reflect the University’s current practices regarding drug and alcohol testing, and clarify the categories of employees that are outside the scope of the Rule. A public comment period will run from Monday (Nov. 10) to Dec. 11.
See the Nov. 7 BOG regular meeting agenda and meeting materials.
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 19.
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