Azeem Khan
Azeem Khan is a Presidential Fellow at WVU. He is a recent graduate of the University and a native of Charleston, West Virginia. During his time as a student at WVU, he was selected as WVU’s 26th Truman Scholar and was a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship. He also served as co-chair of the Mountaineer Fentanyl Education Task Force alongside U.S. Attorney Bill Ihlenfeld. Azeem has served as an intern in the West Virginia Legislature, United States Senate and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia.
GET TO KNOW AZEEM
Question: Where are you from? What made you move to/represent WV?
Answer: I'm a lifelong West Virginian, born and raised in Charleston. West Virginia is a very special place that my family has called home since my grandparents moved here many decades ago.
Question: Tell me about your family.
Answer: My family has always been deeply connected to the state and its community. My grandparents first moved to West Virginia in 1974, landing in Charleston, where my grandfather worked as a heart surgeon. My dad is an attorney and my mom is a professor, both in Charleston. I also have a sister currently attending medical school at WVU.
Question: What do you do in your spare time?
Answer: I love reading history and sports books. I also enjoy playing tennis and watching sports, especially football and basketball.
Question: If you could describe WVU's impact on the state in one word, what would it be?
Answer: Foundational. Everything that the University does is critical to shaping the state’s identity and future.
Question: What would you say is WVU’s greatest strength?
Answer: While there are many great universities across the country, West Virginia is unique in how deeply tied the University is to the success and well-being of the state. The amazing number of ways that our University helps the people of our state is incredible. West Virginia University touches each citizen in our state at some point in their lives.
Question: Where is your favorite place to visit in West Virginia?
Answer: Charleston, West Virginia. I always cherish the chance to visit home.
Question: What is your favorite WV event/tradition?
Answer: Singing “Country Roads” after a game must be one of the best WV traditions. It brings everyone together like nothing else.
Question: What is your favorite hidden gem in West Virginia?
Answer: My favorite hidden gem in our state is our amazing state parks.
Question: Pepperoni roll or WVU cookie?
Answer: WVU cookie.
Question: How does your work with Government Relations impact WVU?
Answer: The work with Government Relations allows me to tell the stories of the amazing work being done by our faculty and staff, as well as to note the accomplishments of our students.
Question: What does a day in the job look like for you?
Answer: I have the honor of joining President Gordon Gee for various activities across the state which is very fulfilling. On a regular day, I will check in with him in the morning, participate in calls and meetings throughout the day, especially with members of the Government Relations team. My favorite part of the day is getting to meet members of our University family and hearing about their ideas and perspectives on the University.
Question: What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Answer: Learning from successful and distinguished West Virginians who are giving back to our state and University. As a recent graduate from WVU (May 2024) and a former intern with the Government Relations office, having the chance to work for my alma mater is deeply meaningful to me.
Question: Do you have a favorite success story of when Government Relations impacted WVU or our state?
Answer: I am proud of the new Cyber-Resilience Resource Center that will be housed in the Chambers College of Business and Economics. I was able to be a part of that effort as a student and the work it will do in all 55 counties to help protect West Virginia citizens and businesses, while leveraging student talent and faculty expertise truly represents our land-grant mission in action.
Question: What is one thing you wish people understood more about what you do?
Answer: This University is a place where West Virginians can achieve their dreams and aspirations. The University and the people here take that mission very seriously and so do I. The University has changed my life and has given me opportunities I never would have imagined. The people here are truly committed to becoming the best version of themselves to serve this state and its people.
