Administration

West Virginia University has released its Spring 2026 Dean’s and President’s lists, as well as the full list of spring semester graduates.

With a focus on investments in the future of West Virginia University, the Board of Governors approved a $1.3 billion operating budget for the coming fiscal year during a Friday meeting (June 19) that opened with the announcement of a first-of-its-kind research partnership with Johns Hopkins University and a celebration of the historic College World Series run for the WVU baseball team.

Tapping into the power of collaboration, Johns Hopkins University and West Virginia University are launching a new partnership to bring together researchers from both institutions to address complex challenges in health, science and society while positioning faculty teams to compete for future external funding.

In recognition of their loyalty and service to West Virginia University, four Mountaineers — David Alvarez, Steve Antoline, David Hendrickson and William "Bill" Wilmoth — will be inducted into the Order of Vandalia during a ceremony later this year.

Accepting a charge from West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson to boldly carry forward the University’s land-grant mission of service and leadership, thousands of graduates crossed the Commencement stage at the Hope Coliseum May 15-17.

To expand opportunities for West Virginia University students and advance innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and national security, WVU Cyber is launching a strategic partnership with TWENTY, a leading offensive cyber company.

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.

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 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.

Adding a key member to his core leadership team, West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson is announcing the hiring of Chris Kabourek, who will bring nearly 30 years of significant fiscal experience in higher education to the role of vice president and chief financial officer. Kabourek most recently served as senior vice president for administration and planning at The Ohio State University.