Benson Unveils Ambitious Vision for WVU in Inaugural State of the University Address

MORGANTOWN — WVU President Michael Benson has embarked on a journey across West Virginia, covering 28 counties in just over 13 weeks. This “Welcome Home” tour is his way of connecting with the community as he figures out the next steps for the university.

In his first State of the University address at the College of Law, Benson laid out a vision for the future. His speech lasted about 35 minutes and covered everything from holiday decorations to campus plans. One exciting note is that the university’s holiday lighting event at Woodburn Hall will return on December 2.

The address touched on immediate goals and long-term ambitions. Benson mentioned that they are analyzing over 860 responses from the Strategic Compass Feedback Survey. This feedback will guide a new strategic plan, including a fresh mission statement and priorities. “We want to refine the feedback and implement the changes before presenting it to our board of governors in November,” he said.

Enrollment is a crucial focus. Although West Virginia’s high school graduation rates are declining—only 18,000 students graduated last year—Benson believes WVU needs to attract more out-of-state students. Other states, like Pennsylvania and Ohio, graduated about 118,000 high school students recently.

To boost in-state enrollment, WVU has started a pilot program to bus students from five districts to the campus. Benson emphasizes that there’s a spot for every West Virginia student, whether they want to attend Potomac State for a smaller setting or WVU Tech for technical degrees.

Looking ahead, Benson aims for WVU to become a member of the Association of American Universities. This prestigious group received 61% of federal research funding last year, totaling $65.9 billion. “Why can’t we be on that list?” Benson challenged. Achieving this will require a long-term commitment to improving metrics like graduation rates and research funding.

Benson acknowledges that the journey to becoming an AAU member won’t happen overnight. “This is a marathon, not a sprint,” he stated. While it may take years, the hard work will ultimately benefit the university.

As public interest grows in higher education and its future, many are watching closely how universities adapt to changing demographics and economic realities. Benson’s approach seems to be resonating with the community, showing that the university is focused on growth and inclusivity.

For detailed national statistics on college enrollment trends, you can check out resources such as the National Center for Education Statistics.



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Local News,Benson floats lofty goals for WVU in first State of the University addressNews,Benson floats lofty goals for WVU in first State of the University address