Before retiring in 2019, Sonja Wilson spent her career working to improve student lives outside the classroom.
Now, she serves as the president of the WVU Retirees Association Board of Directors and the representative for Classified Staff.
Wilson began working at WVU in 1984 in human resources and moved to the Mountainlair Student Union in 1988, where she worked until her retirement.
Among other units in the Division of Student Life, she served as the advisor for the Mountaineer Mascot program and director of Mountaineer Week and WVUp All Night.
Wilson, who was inducted into the 2025 Student Life Hall of Fame, received the WVU Classified Emeritus Award in 2020, and was named WVU Most Loyal Staff in 2007 and WVU Employee of the Year in 1989.
Embracing the WVU Retirees Association motto “stay connected,” Wilson has represented staff since 2019 as a board member, she was elected vice president in 2021 and president in 2025.
“This fulfilling role with the Retirees Association gives me the opportunity to improve the lives of fellow retirees,” Wilson said. “Workshops help keep us current on technology and varied interests and we give back to our community and state in various ways. Members also take rewarding trips that showcase our state and nation.”
Wilson is the owner of “Sonja’s Sweet Stop,” featuring sweet treats and chocolate-covered confections, “Blind Date with A Book” creations, Christian Books and more. She also spends time with her family and travels to Florida twice a year to visit her daughter and family.
Find more information about the WVU Retirees Association and how to join.
To nominate a retiree for Retiree of the Quarter, contact Retirees@mail.wvu.edu.