NC West Virginia News

Michael T. Benson has been appointed as the 27th president of West Virginia University (WVU), taking over from President Gordon Gee in July. The WVU Board of Governors announced Benson's appointment following contract negotiations on February 20.

Benson, who is currently the president of Coastal Carolina University, brings three decades of experience in higher education to WVU. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am honored to be named president of West Virginia University — one of our nation’s oldest land-grant institutions.”

This will be Benson's fifth presidency. Before his tenure at Coastal Carolina, he served as president at Snow College, Southern Utah University, and Eastern Kentucky University. During his time at Coastal Carolina, Benson secured a $10 million gift and collaborated with community partners to advance initiatives beneficial to the university.

Rick Pill, chair of the WVU Board of Governors, highlighted Benson’s achievements in student enrollment and fundraising at Coastal Carolina as factors that led to his selection. “As we look to advance our University and adapt to the fast-evolving world of higher education, the role of our University president is more critical now than ever,” Pill said.

The search for a new president began in May 2024 after President Gordon Gee announced plans to step down this summer. Dr. Patrice Harris, vice-chair of the WVU BOG and chair of the Presidential Search Committee, praised the process and welcomed Benson: “We are beyond thrilled to welcome Dr. Michael T. Benson to the Mountaineer family.”

Benson holds a doctoral degree from Oxford University's St. Antony’s College and has taught at several institutions including Johns Hopkins University and Notre Dame. His academic background includes degrees from Brigham Young University and Johns Hopkins.

Lesley Cottrell, professor at WVU and faculty representative on the Board of Governors, voiced confidence in Benson’s leadership: “I am excited about the selection... I am confident that his academic background makes him aware of the challenges that characterize...higher education.”

Student Government Association President Charlie Long also expressed enthusiasm for Benson's appointment: “The selection...makes me feel as proud as ever to be a Mountaineer.” Long participated in the presidential search process as a student representative.

Benson is an accomplished author with several books published; Forbes Magazine recognized one among its best higher education books in 2023.

As he prepares for his new role at WVU, Benson emphasized collaboration: “I believe in leading by example,” adding that he looks forward to creating an optimal environment for students alongside faculty and staff.