Board of Governors

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.

“We’re seeking initial investors now and will be encouraging anyone who wants to be part of the future of West Virginia University to support our efforts during the Day of Giving on March 25,” President Michael T. Benson said. He talked about Day of Giving during Friday’s (Feb. 20) Board of Governors meeting at the Erickson Alumni Center.

A day ahead of pomp and circumstance for thousands of West Virginia University graduates at the Hope Coliseum, President Michael T. Benson told members of the Board of Governors Friday (Dec. 19) the University has hit a 10-year high in applications for the next class of Mountaineers.

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). To build on that momentum, Benson unveiled his Strategic Compass, which provides a pathway forward for the University.

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 that included Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

Drawing on expertise from both inside and outside of West Virginia University, President Michael T. Benson is shaping his core leadership team to work together across the WVU System by incorporating fresh ideas with institutional knowledge.

West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson announced the start of the search for a provost and vice president for academic affairs — the University’s chief academic officer responsible for the administration of all academic policies, programs, facilities and budgetary matters — on Monday (Aug. 4).

Issuing a call for collaboration focused on the future, West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson gave his first official report during a special meeting for the University’s Board of Governors on Wednesday (July 23). In addition to welcoming Benson, BOG Chair Rusty Hutson introduced several new BOG members who are taking seats ahead of the Aug. 20 start of the academic year.

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.

Making strategic investments while addressing increasing costs, the West Virginia University Board of Governors approved a $1.2 billion financial plan for Fiscal Year 2026 during a Friday meeting (June 13), which was the last for outgoing University President Gordon Gee.