Austin Grant has recently been recognized as the August Non-Classified Staff Salute at West Virginia University. A native of Weirton and proud WVU graduate, Grant became part of the Division of Student Life in 2023. He started as a night operations coordinator at the Mountainlair before moving into his current role in April.
In his position, he ensures that events run smoothly and that everyone feels at home on campus. “The Mountainlair felt like home when I was a student. I take pride in continuing this tradition,” he says. Grant believes fostering a welcoming atmosphere is a team effort, emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships across the University.
His collaborations span various departments, including Mountainlair Reservations, the WVU Hospitality Group, and Arts and Entertainment. These partnerships enhance events like WVUp All Night and Mountaineer Week. Grant also works closely with the WVU Police Department and Facilities Management.
The results speak for themselves. Last academic year, over 20,000 people visited the Mountainlair daily. Around 90,000 students participated in WVUp All Night, and nearly 9,000 reservations were made for a range of events.
Grant’s connection to WVU runs deep. He fondly recalls spending summers at his aunt and uncle’s house in Morgantown. These visits, filled with exploration, solidified his desire to attend the university. “With just a bag of quarters and a PRT pass, I discovered parts of the campus, including the Mountainlair,” he shared. This early experience made his choice to attend WVU a clear one.
While he graduated with a degree in elementary education in 2021, Grant found his true passion during his time as a lifeguard for Campus Recreation. This pushed him to shift his focus toward Student Life, leading him to pursue a master’s degree in higher education administration.
Grant highlights the connections he’s made as the most rewarding aspect of his job. “I’ve met some of my best friends here and working with such amazing colleagues is a privilege.”
When he’s not at work, Grant enjoys exploring the beauty of West Virginia and spending quality time with family at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.
For those interested in acknowledging a dedicated University employee, consider nominating someone for a future Non-Classified Staff Salute by emailing enews@mail.wvu.edu.
