West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson expressed pride in the university’s recent successes as the semester nears its conclude.
Mountaineer Momentum
President Benson highlighted the exceptional performance of the women’s basketball team in the NCAA Tournament, noting their home court advantage for the first time in 34 years and record attendance at the Hope Coliseum. The rifle team was also celebrated for winning their 21st NCAA Rifle National Championship, with eight championships under Hayhurst Family Head Coach Jon Hammond.
“Mountaineer Monday” and Upcoming Events
A new initiative, “Mountaineer Monday,” will launch today, March 23, featuring the 71st Mountaineer mascot, Cade Kincaid, visiting campuses with giveaways. This Wednesday, March 25, marks the ninth annual Day of Giving, a 24-hour fundraising effort organized by the WVU Foundation, with a focus on the WVU Success Scholarship Fund.
State Support and Legislative Wins
Governor Patrick Morrisey signed a budget including an additional $7.7 million for the University’s base state appropriation, along with $32 million for the WVU School of Medicine and $5 million for the WVU School of Dentistry. Several University-supported bills were also approved by the state Senate and House of Delegates before the close of the legislative session on March 14.
Ongoing Outreach and Engagement
President Benson is continuing his “Welcome Home Tour” across the state, with 20 counties remaining to visit. Recruitment efforts are also underway with “Mountaineer March Madness,” involving calls to admitted students, and will continue at the Decide WVU Open House on April 11. President Benson recently visited Mountaineer Middle School, teaching a history class and engaging students with questions from the Golden Horseshoe exam.
Looking Ahead
President Benson will return to the classroom this fall to teach a course on World War I, joined by Evan Portman. He shared a quote from Daniel Coit Gilman, emphasizing the importance of universities to “advance knowledge, and to diffuse it…far and wide.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Mountaineer Monday”?
“Mountaineer Monday” is a new initiative launching on March 23, featuring the 71st Mountaineer mascot, Cade Kincaid, visiting campuses with giveaways.
When is the Day of Giving?
The ninth annual Day of Giving is on Wednesday, March 25.
What funding did WVU receive from the state budget?
WVU received an additional $7.7 million for its base state appropriation, $32 million for the School of Medicine, and $5 million for the School of Dentistry.
How might the university’s continued outreach efforts impact future enrollment?
