13-05-2025
WVU President-elect speaks on his transition to Morgantown
BRIDGEPORT, (WBOY) — As the school year wraps up, West Virginia University President-elect Michael Benson is getting ready to step into the limelight.
Benson, who was previously the President of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, will begin his term in July of this year.
12 News got to speak with Benson for the first time moments before the start of the 2025 West Virginia Business Roundtable, where he was one of multiple university presidents representing their respective schools.
Benson said he and his family are excited to be becoming Mountaineers. 'It's a wonderful community, people have been incredibly warm and welcoming and we look forward to getting to work and making a difference.'
As for his plans for the university, especially after it has suffered financially in recent years, Benson said that plans will be announced soon.
WV Business Roundtable hosts dozens of state business leaders
'I'm a big believer that plans are important, but the planning process is even more important. So we're in that process right now, and we're going to roll out some ideas about the direction moving forward, but there's a lot to be excited about. There are a lot of blue sky opportunities ahead for the university,' Benson said.
Benson said the way he's been acclimating himself to his new school has been by getting to know people and different communities around the area.
'I think the most important thing I can do as president is get to know people, relationships are key, and I want to know what's important to them and what's important to the university and see if we can get the two to come together,' Benson said.
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