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Administration

Michael T. Benson, portrait

From golden sands to gold and blue: Meet Michael T. Benson, 27th president of WVU

Michael T. Benson, the 27th president of West Virginia University, never planned on trading beach breezes for the hills of Morgantown. But life — and leadership — has a way of pulling people toward places where they’re most needed. He has already begun to fully immerse himself in campus life, with plans to meet as many members of the WVU community and residents of the Mountain State as possible in his first few weeks on the job.

An Elior executive holds up his right hand while making a point, surrounding by four other workers who are listening, including three in chef and kitchen uniforms.
Exterior View of One Waterfront Place with flying WV navigation sign

Richards elected WVU Foundation Board chair

J. Wayne Richards will serve a two-year term as chairman of the West Virginia University Foundation Board of Directors. The 1981 mining engineering alumnus is president and CEO of GR Energy Services based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WVU graduates during dressed in gold and blue regalia during Commencement ceremonies.
The top of the mast of the USS West Virginia is shown with the top of Woodburn Hall, an American flag and a WVU flag under blue skies.
A graduate wearing a navy blue cap and gown smiles while singing

WVU Class of 2025 encouraged to embrace change with perseverance, optimism

Marking a Mountaineer milestone, West Virginia University President Gordon Gee and other distinguished speakers delivered inspiring messages on the power of perseverance during times of change to thousands of University graduates during nine Commencement ceremonies this weekend (May 16-18) at the Coliseum.

Flowers in the foreground and Oglebay Hall in the distance on the WVU campus.

WVU unveils sustainability goals designed to reduce waste and emissions, protect land and water

West Virginia University is committing to a comprehensive set of 20-plus sustainability goals, outlining a road map for significant environmental improvements across campus by 2035. Announced as part of Earth Week at WVU, the initiatives — spanning categories of waste reduction, land and water protection, and lower emissions — reflect the University’s commitment to a more environmentally friendly future.

WVU student Sophie Slaughter standing next to WVU president Gordon Gee with several other people in a classroom.

WVU student selected as University’s 27th Truman Scholar

A West Virginia University student committed to advocacy, justice and scholarship has been named the University’s 27th Truman Scholar, earning one of the nation’s top graduate fellowships. Sophie Slaughter, a Culloden native, is a member of the Honors College.

Three people stand on either side of a painted portrait of a judge in his robe.
A student sitting at a desk holding a pen smiles while talking with another student. Other students are in desks in the back.

WVU sets student retention record, BOG approves new AI-focused programs

Ongoing strategic investments in student success at West Virginia University are continuing to show results with the University’s Fall 2024 to Spring 2025 projected first-time freshmen retention rate setting a record of 93.8%. The rate was reported during the WVU Board of Governors meeting on Friday (April 4).