Michael T. Benson and his family.
MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University has named Michael T. Benson as its next president. He currently leads Coastal Carolina University and will start at WVU on July 15, with a contract lasting until June 30, 2030. Benson’s annual salary will be $850,000, surpassing the current president’s salary of $800,000.
His appointment was shared publicly on Monday after a brief social media buzz. WVU’s Board of Governors had announced his selection the previous Thursday but waited to finalize the contract first.
Benson brings with him over 30 years of experience in higher education. He expressed excitement about his new role, stating, “I am honored to be named president of West Virginia University — one of our nation’s oldest land-grant institutions.” He thanked the Board of Governors for their trust and aims to earn that trust from the entire university community.
This will be Benson’s fifth presidency. Before Coastal Carolina, he served at Snow College, Southern Utah University, and Eastern Kentucky University. During his time at Coastal Carolina, he accomplished significant fundraising feats, including securing the largest donation in the school’s history—a $10 million gift.
Benson looks forward to building relationships across the state. He plans to engage with various stakeholders, including local leaders and alumni. WVU Board of Governors Chair Rick Pill highlighted Benson’s record in boosting enrollment and fundraising, which were key factors in his selection.
Pill noted, “As we look to advance our university, the role of our university president is more critical now than ever.” He emphasized the importance of continuing WVU’s upward trajectory.
WVU began its search for a new president in May following the announcement of President Gordon Gee’s upcoming retirement at the end of June.
Patrice Harris, vice chair of the Board of Governors, expressed excitement about welcoming Benson, acknowledging the community’s role in shaping the search process. She emphasized that constructive feedback helped identify a leader aligned with the university’s values.
Benson holds a doctoral degree in modern history from the University of Oxford and various degrees from institutions like Brigham Young University and Johns Hopkins University. He has also taught at numerous universities, including his current position as a history professor at Coastal Carolina.
Originally from Utah, Benson has lived in places like Texas and Indiana, spending over six years studying and working abroad in countries such as Italy and England. His passion for basketball led him to play at both BYU and Oxford.
In addition to his administrative roles, Benson is an accomplished author. His recent book, “Daniel Coit Gilman and the Birth of the American Research University,” earned recognition from Forbes as one of the best higher education books of 2023.
Benson and his wife, Debi, have three children—Truman, Tatum, and Talmage—and he also has two older children from a previous marriage. An avid traveler, he has explored all 50 states and five continents.
Source link
Local News,Michael T. Benson, of Coastal Carolina University, will be WVU’s next presidentNews,Michael T. Benson, of Coastal Carolina University, will be WVU’s next president
