As September begins and we all settle fully into the fall semester, President Michael T. Benson is updating faculty and staff about his latest adventures — on campus and elsewhere.
Dear Faculty and Staff,
I hope you all enjoyed the Labor Day holiday as we bid farewell to the sunny days of summer and move — full force — into the busy fall period.
Two weeks into the semester, I have watched as our students find their way and their people, as well as connect with faculty and staff members who will support them throughout their time here at WVU.
Over and over, whether during Welcome Week or on their way to class, I’m hearing from our students about how happy they are to be here as part of the Mountaineer community.
I recently enjoyed hosting our department chairs for breakfast at Blaney House and learning about their goals for the academic year.
My own chair in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Department of History is Kate Kelsey Staples. I look forward to working with her and my fellow faculty members to engage with students, encouraging them to think critically about our collective past, present, and future.
The future is very much on my mind as I collaborate with my leadership team through the strategic planning process. And it is a process.
Even before I officially started working in this position in July, I’d been developing a strategic compass for the University. I’ll be providing an update about how that’s taking shape during the Faculty Senate meeting which is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the College of Law, Fitzsimmons Event Hall.
Also next week, I’ll be talking about it with those of you working with Student Life, along with College of Law faculty, WVU Medicine leaders, and many others.
I hope you’ll share your feedback as we chart a path for the University’s future.
With all our calendars filling up, I ask you to please save the date for Oct. 13 — the date of my first State of the University address. More details will follow later. I invite you to attend or tune in online to hear directly from me about my plans for the University.
Here are few updates:
• I was among those cheering when members of the “The Pride of West Virginia,” the Mountaineer Marching Band, ran through a ribbon to officially open the new Pride Practice Facility at the Med Fields on Aug. 29.
• It was wonderful to experience a Mountaineer Game Day for the first time and the win made it even better. Prior to Saturday’s game (Aug. 30), I had the chance to talk with some of our WVU Alumni who are now working as educators in high schools across West Virginia. Their commitment to preparing the next generation of Mountaineers is inspiring.
• My August trip to the State Fair of West Virginia in Greenbrier County drove home for me the broad reach of the University across the Mountain State and provided an introduction to some delicious donuts. Crustaceans were on the menu during the National Capital Area Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association’s annual Crab Feast earlier in the month.
• Like many fans, I am planning to be at Ohio University on Saturday (Sept. 6) to cheer on the Mountaineers against the Bobcats at the sold-out Peden Stadium. I’ve also enjoyed getting out to support our men’s and women’s soccer teams at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium — a fun place to be on a fall night.
Last week, it was my honor and privilege to represent the University at the West Virginia Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Business Summit.
This was an invaluable experience, bringing together leaders from across sectors to engage in the business of the state and making West Virginia better. At its core, it was really about the relationships that make the Mountain State so special.
During a discussion with Tony Caridi, the longtime play-by-play announcer for the Mountaineers, in front of an engaged crowd of business and state leaders, I talked about our ongoing work to bring clarity to our mission.
In the coming weeks, I would like to hear your thoughts on a new mission statement:
At West Virginia University, our mission is clear.
We inspire bold futures: where pride runs deep, success is earned, and life-changing experiences prepare Mountaineers to lead in West Virginia and around the world.
Bold futures start here. Let’s Go!
These 39 words are a distillation of the many different motivations that bring us all to work and to class each day where we meet as Mountaineers, showing up for our students and for each other.
Let’s be our best selves today and every day.
Let’s provide support where and when it’s needed.
Let’s keep moving forward as we try new things, and learn and grow together.
Let’s Go!
Michael T. Benson
President and Professor of History
West Virginia University