Aidan Priest
Aidan works to connect various units from government relations to enrollment management. He assists with coordinating the president and recruitment teams’ community visits to help ensure the University fulfills its mission as the state’s land-grant institution. Additionally, he leads the recruitment events team’s data analytics and management, which help drive their strategic plans. Aidan graduated from WVU with a BS in Business Administration, studying corporate finance and accounting. Prior to this role he spent two and a half years as a WVU tour guide and his senior year assisting the director of event strategy. He also worked for Eaton Corporation’s Early Talent Program as a plant financial analyst and in divisional financial planning and analysis.
GET TO KNOW AIDAN
Question: Where are you from? What made you move to/represent West Virginia?
Answer: I’m from Baldwinsville, New York, a suburb of Syracuse. Initially, I wanted to play volleyball in college, but as I started looking at academic institutions, my priorities shifted. I visited 17 different schools across six states and WVU was the last one on my list. After stepping onto campus and taking the tour, we immediately paid my academic deposit. Since then, I’ve spent nearly all my time in West Virginia, even staying through the summers. The state has a rich history and I’ve found that it blends the hardworking, fast-paced nature of the North with the charm and hospitality of the South.
Question: Tell me about your family.
Answer: My parents still live in New York. My mom is a court clerk and my dad is a branch manager for Davis Ulmer Fire Protection. However, my sister followed in my footsteps and is now forging her own path as a junior at WVU studying sports management. As a family, we’ve all developed a deep appreciation for West Virginia’s culture. I also have a two-year-old Bernedoodle named Daks.
Question: What do you do in your spare time?
Answer: I’m the head coach for a 16U girls volleyball team for Rise Volleyball Academy and serve as an adviser for the fraternity I helped found here, Tau Kappa Epsilon. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking and exploring West Virginia's natural beauty.
Question: If you could describe WVU’s impact on the state in one word, what would it be?
Answer: Innovative. WVU continuously finds new ways to excel and support the state. WVU is constantly developing solutions to new and everyday challenges.
Question: What would you say is WVU’s greatest strength?
Answer: The people. West Virginians are the reason people come here and stay. When you meet the people from WVU, you truly see the importance of the University and the state and how much pride they have in it.
Question: Where is your favorite place to visit in West Virginia?
Answer: I love the outdoors, so I’d say Canaan Valley—especially camping on the Canadian Loop Road. That entire region, where the Eastern Panhandle meets the rest of the state, is incredible.
Question: What is your favorite West Virginia event/tradition?
Answer: I have a personal connection to the WVU Mountaineer selection process having tried out for the Mountaineer myself — and even making it far into the process as a finalist. Our Mountaineer mascot is unlike any other in the country and the energy leading up to the announcement is unforgettable — especially for freshmen experiencing it for the first time.
Answer (continued): Another tradition that stands out is The Mantrip. It’s a powerful moment tied to West Virginia’s mining history, particularly the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. Before every home football game, the entire football team, marching band and fans pay tribute to coal miners past and present by patting a large stone, symbolizing the strength and heritage of the state.
Question: What is your favorite hidden gem in West Virginia?
Answer: Snake Hill. It offers the best sunrise view in Morgantown, and possibly in all of West Virginia. Watching the sun rise over the Cheat River Valley is an incredible and serene experience.
Question: Pepperoni roll or WVU cookie?
Answer: WVU cookies are great, but I have to go with pepperoni rolls.
Question: How does your work with the Government Relations team impact WVU?
Answer: I focus on the land-grant engagement side, ensuring that WVU continues serving the state. I work closely with Ann on events and help coordinate Dr. Gee’s travel, ensuring he maintains strong connections with communities across West Virginia. A significant part of my job involves organizing events for state leaders, educators and alumni to reinforce that WVU is not separate from the state—it is West Virginia. Without the state, our brand wouldn’t exist, so our role is to maintain that partnership.
Question: What does a day in the job look like for you?
Answer: My role is unique because I work at the intersection of recruitment events and government relations. Half of my time is spent working with Ann Bailey Berry to coordinate events, whether it’s attending FFA gatherings, visiting hospitals, or traveling with Dr. Gee to different communities. The other half involves data analytics and strategic planning for our event strategy team. I focus on optimizing recruitment events, from open houses to honors events, ensuring we’re reaching the right students in the most effective way.
Question: What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Answer: Visiting communities across the state. As a freshman, I traveled to 33 of West Virginia’s 55 counties just to explore, but this role has given me the opportunity to see the state in a different light. I’ve visited places like Charleston, Braxton County and Cabell County, but the real value comes from engaging with the local schools and communities. Observing West Virginia’s education system compared to what I grew up with in New York has been eye-opening. I’ve certainly gained a deeper appreciation for how different counties prioritize unique and engaging learning experiences.
Question: Do you have a favorite success story of when Government Relations impacted WVU or our state?
Answer: WVU Day at the Legislature stands out. It’s an opportunity for WVU to showcase the full scope of its impact, from healthcare advancements to research initiatives. People get to meet and interact with those making a difference across the state, which reinforces WVU’s role as a leader in education, innovation and public service while reminding those from WVU who they are working to help.
Question: What is one thing you wish people understood more about what you do?
Answer: I bring a fresh perspective that blends creativity with an analytical mindset, thanks to my background in accounting and finance. That combination allows me to approach my work differently, especially with our various event planning committees — incorporating both data-driven decision-making and innovative problem-solving.
