West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson announced on Apr. 13 that Syd Peng will be the first recipient of the Presidential Honorary Degree, recognizing his nearly four decades of service and leadership in mining engineering at the university.
The award highlights the importance of academic excellence and long-term dedication to education, reflecting West Virginia University’s commitment to fostering a strong community and advancing research and scholarship. The university draws inspiration from its motto “Mountaineers Go First,” according to the official website.
Peng served as chair of the Department of Mining Engineering from 1978 until 2006, after joining WVU in 1974. He became Charles E. Lawall Chair of Mining Engineering Emeritus upon his retirement in 2013. “Syd’s generosity with his expertise and time changed the field of mining engineering for the better across West Virginia and around the world,” Benson said. “Syd and his late wife, Felicia Peng, also a former professor of mining engineering, have been loyal contributors and long-time investors in the educational futures of generations of mining students.”
Peng’s contributions include founding WVU’s Longwall Mining and Ground Control Research Center in 1985, serving as its director, leading the West Virginia Coal and Energy Research Bureau starting in 1998, publishing over 380 scholarly works, writing several textbooks, and mentoring many students who now lead industry or academia. “Dr. Syd Peng’s career exemplifies excellence in education and research,” said Pedro Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean at Statler College.
“Few individuals have influenced mining engineering as profoundly as Dr. Syd Peng,” said Qingqing Huang, associate professor at Statler College Department of Mining Engineering.
In addition to honoring individual achievement like Peng’s induction into the National Academy of Engineering in 2007 for leadership in advanced longwall mining technologies, Benson referenced other faculty recognized by national academies this year.
WVU has produced notable scholarship recipients including Rhodes Scholars and Truman Scholars according to its official website (official website). The university fosters an inclusive community that embraces diverse contributions (official website), encompasses a network of distinctive campuses (official website), aims to build a stronger future for West Virginia through harnessing resources (official website), and takes pride in prestigious alumni achievements such as securing major scholarships (official website).
Peng is scheduled to participate with President Benson during Statler College Commencement on May 17 at Hope Coliseum; additional honorary degree recipients will be announced later this month.
