Government Relations

The Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure Consortium, led by West Virginia University in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and more than 60 regional partners, will use $321 million in public and private funding to develop the nation’s next leading industrial energy innovation hub in the heart of Appalachia.

In observance of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America, West Virginia University will close early Thursday (July 2) following a proclamation from Gov. Patrick Morrisey granting an additional half-day off to state employees.

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.

Building on previous groundbreaking discoveries of rare earth elements in acid mine drainage from retired coal mines, West Virginia University is launching the WVU Rare Earth Elements Initiative, or WVU REE, uniting researchers who focus on rare earths and critical minerals as they explore and secure a domestic supply of these materials.

The family of longtime civil engineer and lawmaker David B. McKinley is honoring his wish to establish a $100,000 scholarship to benefit future engineers studying at the West Virginia University Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

On a path toward a career in environmental policy and public service, Morgantown native and West Virginia University Honors College student Colin Street has been awarded a Udall Scholarship, a national award recognizing college sophomores and juniors committed to leadership, public service and issues related to the environment.

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.

During a May 5 event in Charleston with West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the launch of Ascend Heroes, a new initiative aimed at attracting veterans to West Virginia by building on the success of the Ascend WV program and extending its reach to those who have served the nation in uniform.