West Virginia University has announced the establishment of a new scholarship in memory of Doug Skaff Jr., an alumnus known for his leadership and dedication to the university community. The Douglas J. Skaff Jr. Mountaineer Spirit Scholarship will provide financial assistance to undergraduate students from West Virginia who are enrolled in programs at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics. Preference will be given to students involved with either the Mountaineer Maniacs or the Student Government Association.
The funding for this scholarship comes from memorial contributions made by family and friends following Skaff’s death in an accident on Interstate 79 in Lewis County on June 10.
Josh Hall, Milan Puskar Dean of the Chambers College, commented on the significance of this gift: “That our loved ones remember us is important — how they remember us, even more so,” Hall said. “The Skaff family’s gift in honor of Doug speaks to his commitment to West Virginia and WVU. The students who benefit from this scholarship may never have a chance to meet him, but they will know what he stood for and what he meant to his family, whose generosity we are incredibly grateful for.”
Doug Skaff grew up in South Charleston and attended WVU starting in the late 1990s. During his time as a student, he founded the Mountaineer Maniacs spirit group, which continues as WVU’s largest student organization supporting athletics. He also co-founded WVUp All Night, a program offering free late-night activities for students.
Skaff served as president of the Student Government Association during 1999-2000 and was recognized as Mr. Mountaineer that year due to his academic accomplishments and involvement outside class. He was also active in Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, and Mountain Honorary.
Reflecting on her brother’s connection with WVU, Teresa Skaff stated: “When it came time for Doug to apply to colleges, he only had one on the list — WVU,” she said. “He found that same passion for cheering on the Mountaineers in student government and fraternity life. He came up with Mountaineer Maniacs idea hoping the passion would spread throughout all students at WVU. He prevailed in all aspects of college life, and when he graduated, he kept that passion and tried everything he could to instill the Mountaineer spirit in everyone he encountered.”
Skaff earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from WVU in 2000 followed by a master’s degree in industrial and labor relations and business management in 2001.
After graduation, Skaff worked at Owens Corning where he gained experience across several departments before returning to West Virginia. He later entered public service representing Kanawha County as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates between 2008-2014 and again from 2018-2023; during this time he also served as House Minority Leader before resigning in 2023 to run for Secretary of State.
His professional roles included serving as president of HD Media—publisher of state newspapers such as Charleston Gazette-Mail—and participating with partners earlier this year to acquire Fazio’s restaurant in Charleston.
Beyond his work responsibilities, Skaff was involved with volunteer efforts including board service such as previously serving on the board of directors for the WVU Alumni Association; at his passing he was interim executive director for the West Virginia Press Association.
Teresa Skaff further described her brother’s enduring loyalty: “He wanted the world to know that WVU was the dominant university in the state and entire country,” she said. “He’d find a way to slip in WVU in every conversation. If there was no conversation and he was just passing by a fellow Mountaineer, he’d yell ‘Let’s Go, Mountaineers!’ with a number one held high in the air. His passion was that of a true Mountaineer.”
