Applications are being accepted for Ascend WV Healthcare and First Ascent WV Healthcare — launched by the West Virginia University Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, in partnership with West Virginia Tourism and major healthcare organizations statewide — that invite healthcare professionals and graduating students to live and work in the Mountain State.
“Propelled by Mountaineer momentum, we are galvanized, hopeful, and energized,” West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson said during his second State of the University address, delivered to the Faculty Assembly prior to the Sept. 14 Faculty Senate meeting at the WVU College of Law.
West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson, professor in the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Department of History, opened the Board of Governors meeting on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks by reflecting on Patriot Day — the National Day of Service and Remembrance — following a moment of silence called for by Board Chair Robert “Rusty” Hutson Jr.
Building on the foundational success of West Virginia’s premier talent attraction and retention programs, West Virginia University will use $2.4 million to help recruit and retain state-licensed healthcare professionals by standing up three new programs: Ascend WV Healthcare, First Ascent Healthcare, and a new pilot program that extends beyond the current 23-county Ascend WV and First Ascent network.
To help improve critical water access for Mountain State residents, West Virginia University is joining state and local partners to form a statewide network focused on developing and enhancing reliable water infrastructure through increased efficiency, coordination, economic development, and investments.
As the use of artificial intelligence for mental health conditions grows for both patients seeking support and psychiatrists treating them, West Virginia University researchers put ChatGPT-5 Pro to the test to determine its abilities on the psychiatry educational front. Their research showed human supervision is still a top priority when it comes to ensuring patient safety and ethical use of the tool for medical training.
As Scouting America’s National Jamboree opens, West Virginia University students, faculty, and staff are providing experiences and support to the thousands of Scouts who will learn and grow over 10 days in the Mountain State.
A study by researchers at West Virginia University and two other university-affiliated medical centers found a greater-than-expected significance in the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, for women who spend more time sitting compared to those who include even light activity in their daily routines.
Six members of the West Virginia University Class of 2026 and two December 2025 graduates have earned the Order of Augusta, the University’s most prestigious honor for academic excellence, leadership and service. The eight inductees were selected from the 52 WVU Foundation Outstanding Seniors.
Twenty incoming West Virginia University students from across the Mountain State who are driven by shared passions for innovation and service have been named the 2026-27 cohort of Bucklew Scholars. From this distinguished group, five have been selected as Foundation Scholars, the highest academic scholarship the University awards.