MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia University has named Michael T. Benson as its 27th president, bringing three decades of academic and administrative experience to the state’s flagship, land-grant institution.
Following contract negotiations after the WVU Board of Governors meeting on Feb. 20, Benson, currently president of Coastal Carolina University, was officially announced as the university’s next leader on Monday, Feb. 24. His appointment begins in July.
“I am honored to be named president of West Virginia University — one of our nation’s oldest land-grant institutions,” Benson said.
“My 30-year career in public higher education has prepared me for this singular opportunity, and I wish to thank the Board of Governors for the trust they have placed in me and hope to earn that same level of trust and support from the entire WVU community.”
Benson’s leadership experience includes presidencies at Snow College, Southern Utah University, and Eastern Kentucky University before joining Coastal Carolina in 2021.
At CCU, he secured the university’s largest-ever gift—a $10 million donation—and fostered partnerships with community leaders and policymakers.
“I’m looking forward to bringing that same approach to West Virginia as I meet with people from across the WVU System, and from city hall to the State Capitol, along with West Virginians from communities across the state and our incredible network of alumni around the world,” Benson said.
WVU Board of Governors Chair Rick Pill cited Benson’s success in growing student enrollment, fundraising, and building strategic partnerships as key factors in 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.
“On the heels of securing record-high retention numbers, maintaining a strong financial footing, developing positive student success programming and raising unprecedented dollars through the WVU Foundation, West Virginia University remains the formidable, flagship, land-grant institution that we all know and love. We look forward to Dr. Benson’s leadership in continuing to guide us on this upward trajectory.”
Benson’s selection follows a nationwide search launched in May 2024 to find a successor to President Gordon Gee, who will step down this summer.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Dr. Michael T. Benson to the Mountaineer family,” said Dr. Patrice Harris, WVU BOG vice-chair and chair of the Presidential Search Committee.
“As our presidential search officially closes and we turn the page to begin a new West Virginia University chapter, we express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for all those who participated. The WVU community’s collective feedback helped us find a leader who exemplifies the right values and qualifications to serve at the helm of West Virginia’s flagship university. We can all be proud of the search process.”
Benson holds a doctoral degree in modern history from the University of Oxford, a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University.
He has also held faculty positions at the University of Utah, Notre Dame, and Johns Hopkins, and continues to teach as a professor of history.
Lesley Cottrell, a faculty representative on the WVU Board of Governors, said Benson’s academic background and leadership experience make him well-suited for the role.
“I am excited about the selection of Michael Benson as our new president of WVU. I am confident that his academic background makes him aware of the challenges that characterize the new wave of students and the new challenges facing higher education,” Cottrell said.
“Most importantly, he understands the importance of WVU for the state and how we can make a difference in the lives of those living here. Dr. Benson has shown his commitment to empowering local students through tailored initiatives, and with a deep appreciation for the cultural and educational needs of the Appalachian region. His style of collaborative leadership ensures that the faculty, staff and students are valued, and their contributions are considered, while his focus on community engagement is aligned with our vision at West Virginia University.”
Born in Utah and raised in Texas and Indiana, Benson has studied and worked internationally in Italy, England, and Israel.
He played basketball at both BYU and Oxford and is an author, with his book Daniel Coit Gilman and the Birth of the American Research University recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the best higher education books of 2023.
“I believe in leading by example,” Benson said. “I’m enthusiastic about getting started and ready to collaborate with the faculty and staff as we create the best possible teaching, learning and living environment for every Mountaineer student.”
Student Government Association President Charlie Long, who was involved in the search process, expressed confidence in Benson’s ability to connect with students.
“The selection of Michael Benson as our next president makes me feel as proud as ever to be a Mountaineer,” Long said.
“As a professor with extensive experience in the classroom, I feel confident that he will work well with students and always know what’s on our minds. I can speak from first-hand experience that Benson is a class act and someone who will make sure WVU continues to be a place where everyone belongs.”
Benson and his wife, Debi, have three children—Truman, Tatum, and Talmage—as well as two older children, Emma and Samuel, from a previous marriage. An avid traveler, he has visited all 50 states and five continents.
“We can’t wait to get started and experience all the Mountain State has to offer,” Benson said.
Transition planning for Benson will begin immediately.
