The West Virginia University Board of Governors has approved a $1.2 billion financial plan for Fiscal Year 2026 during its meeting on June 13, marking the last session with outgoing University President Gordon Gee. “I have been grateful to have you and your predecessors on the Board as friends as well as partners,” Gee remarked in his final President’s Report.
The meeting also served as a farewell for several board members, including Charlie Long, Shirley Robinson, and Frankie Tack. Tack joined Lesley Cottrell in delivering the annual faculty report that emphasized progress and innovation at the university while advocating for collaboration and transparency.
To address rising costs in health insurance through the Public Employees Insurance Agency and increased labor expenses, among other factors, the Board adopted a financial plan aimed at maintaining WVU’s growth and excellence. Kevin J. Craig stated, “Our goal throughout the budget process has been to strike a balance between responsible stewardship and quality, strategic expenditures.”
Starting Fall 2025, tuition fees will rise across WVU campuses. On the Morgantown Campus, resident undergraduate fees will increase by $324 per semester while non-resident fees will go up by $912 per semester. Graduate students will see similar increases.
Paula Congelio highlighted WVU’s commitment to providing valuable education while ensuring financial sustainability: “The University’s tuition and fee structure remains competitive with Big 12 peers.”
A new Mountaineer Athletics Advantage Fee of $125 per semester was also introduced to support student-athletes starting this fall.
Additionally, an agreement with Gold & Blue Enterprises was finalized to enhance Name, Image, Likeness opportunities for student-athletes.
In another development concerning dining services provided by Sodexo on multiple campuses, Stephanie Taylor presented unresolved contractual issues leading to the termination of Sodexo’s contract. A one-year bridge contract with a new vendor is set to begin around June 30.
Other decisions included issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking related to employee leave processes and amending Board by-laws following House Bill 3279 requirements. New board members Terry Hauser, Paul Mattox, and Charles Wilfong were welcomed.
Board officers selected for 2025-26 include Robert “Rusty” Hutson Jr., Robert “Bob” Reynolds as vice chair, and Mattox as secretary. The Board extended Gee’s contract until July 14 before incoming President Michael T. Benson takes over on July 15.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 26.
