President Michael T. Benson Outlines Vision at West Virginia University Inauguration
West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson was formally inaugurated on Oct. 15 during a ceremony at the Canady Creative Arts Center that coincided with Homecoming, mybuckhannon.com reported. Benson called on the university community to embrace institutional ambition and establish the campus as a model for the new public American research university.
The ceremony took place more than a year after Benson’s start date. During his address, Benson outlined a broad agenda centered on regional impact and modern higher education, stating that universities must move knowledge, talent, technology, and opportunity.
Ceremony Details and Leadership Remarks
The inauguration drew state elected officials, WVU Board of Governors members, university leaders, and former campus leadership, including former WVU President David Hardesty and his predecessor, former WVU President Gordon Gee. Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia Chief Justice C. Haley Bunn, a two-time university graduate, presided over the formal installation of the university’s 27th president.
Robert “Rusty” Hutson Jr., chair of the WVU Board of Governors, praised Benson’s accessibility and energy at a pivotal time in the institution’s history. Representatives from the university community also addressed attendees, including staff representative Adam James, faculty representative Maura McLaughlin, and Student Government Association president Colin Street.
Strategic Compass and Future Priorities
During his first year, Benson oversaw the development of the Strategic Compass, a framework designed to guide university priorities across five key areas: Education, Discovery, Health, Service, and Experiences. Representatives from local school systems, health programs, and community initiatives participated in the ceremony to highlight these focus areas.
Benson also announced plans for a Mountaineer mascot sculpture created by Roane County sculptor Jeff Fetty, with funding support from the state’s natural gas industry led by Mike John, founder, president and CEO of Northeast Natural Energy.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Inauguration
When did Michael T. Benson officially take office versus his inauguration date?
The ceremony was held more than a year after Benson’s start date.
Who presided over the formal installation ceremony?
Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia Chief Justice C. Haley Bunn, a two-time university graduate, presided over the formal installation at the Canady Creative Arts Center.
What is the Strategic Compass at WVU?
The Strategic Compass is an established framework developed during Benson’s first year to guide the university’s direction, priorities, and decisions across five priority areas: Education, Discovery, Health, Service, and Experiences.
Who is funding the planned Mountaineer mascot sculpture?
Funding support for the sculpture by Roane County artist Jeff Fetty is being provided by the state’s natural gas industry, led by Mike John, a WVU alum who is the founder, president and CEO of Northeast Natural Energy.
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