NC West Virginia News

West Virginia University President Gordon Gee delivered his final State of the University address on October 14, reflecting on a decade marked by innovation, research achievements, and significant donor support. Gee's tenure began in 2014, and he emphasized the university's ongoing commitment to meeting student needs.

“I am in awe of what our faculty, staff and students have achieved,” Gee stated. He acknowledged the challenges faced by higher education but noted that reinvention has strengthened WVU for the future. “More than ever, we are a fiercely land-grant university," he added.

Gee highlighted three pillars established in 2016—education, health, and prosperity—and introduced a fourth pillar, purpose, following lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. He credited faculty, staff, and students for embracing these pillars: “The accomplishments of the past decade are not mine; they belong to each one of you.”

WVU initiatives such as the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and programs like TRAIN through WVU Extension have enhanced educational connections within the state. The university also aligned academic programs to form new units like the College of Applied Human Sciences.

The John Chambers College of Business and Economics was positioned for growth with experiential learning opportunities at Reynolds Hall. Additionally, record-breaking efforts by the WVU Foundation raised over $30 million during its annual Day of Giving in 2024.

“Recognizing the importance of keeping education within reach for more students," Gee mentioned that WVU’s ‘Dream First’ campaign exceeded its scholarship goal.

WVU attained R1 status in 2016 and reaffirmed it in 2021. Research funding increased by 82% since 2019. Health advancements were noted with Dr. Vinay Badhwar's work at WVU Heart and Vascular Institute and Dr. Ali Rezai leading WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute since 2018.

Energy research continues to progress at WVU with focus areas including natural gas and rare earth elements. The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities recognized WVU as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University last year.

Supporting these advancements is WVU’s Purpose Center established in 2022 which has become a key recruitment tool for the university.

Gee reflected on how WVU responded to challenges over the past decade including floods in 2016 and global pandemic impacts: “Through it all, we have positioned West Virginia University for the future."

He praised faculty members like astrophysicists Duncan Lorimer and Maura McLaughlin who received prestigious awards; dedicated staff like Christopher Martin; outstanding students like Easton Cahill; along with many others contributing to WVU’s success.

“My purpose has been to make things better for West Virginians," Gee concluded while expressing confidence in continued growth under future leadership.