NC West Virginia News

A transformative business leader with deep West Virginia roots and a former federal prosecutor and veteran of nationally noted cases are the two newest members of the West Virginia University Board of Governors. Robert R. “Rusty” Hutson Jr. and Steven R. Ruby joined the BOG for a special meeting held virtually on Thursday, September 5.

Hutson has been appointed to a term ending June 30, 2028, succeeding Taunja Willis-Miller. A Harrison County native, Hutson began his career in banking and founded Diversified Energy in 2001; under his leadership, the company has grown to global prominence. Hutson was named 2019 West Virginia Oil and Gas Man of the Year, and his strategic vision, commitment to excellence, impact on the Mountain State’s economic landscape, and focused philanthropy earned him a place in the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame in 2023.

“I am committed to helping build a stronger West Virginia for future generations and I am honored to serve as a member of the WVU Board of Governors and the State’s flagship, land-grant University,” Hutson said.

Ruby also joins the BOG for a term ending June 30, 2028, succeeding Tom Jones. A lawyer with a long and distinguished career, Ruby is currently with the Charleston-based firm Carey Douglas Kessler & Ruby PLLC. He is a sixth-generation West Virginian who began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Robert B. King of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals before working at one of the nation’s top litigation firms and returning home to serve as a federal prosecutor. Since leaving public service, Ruby’s practice spans civil litigation, criminal defense, gaming regulation, and state and federal administrative law.

“I can think of no greater privilege than to have the opportunity to be a steward of West Virginia University, becoming part of its rich history and helping to steer it toward a brighter future,” Ruby said.

Dr. Patrice Harris, BOG vice-chair, has also been reappointed to the Board by Gov. Jim Justice for a term ending June 30, 2028. Harris also serves as chair of the Presidential Search Committee which is conducting Listening Sessions this month to gain insights and feedback from University stakeholders as part of the search for the next WVU president.

Lesley Cottrell and Charlie Long began their respective terms as Faculty and Student representatives.

The Board approved committee structures and other board assignments for 2024-2025 during Thursday’s meeting and approved adjustments to deferred maintenance projects at WVU Potomac State College and WVU Institute of Technology to reprioritize funding for more pressing projects on those campuses.