Lisa Hanselman

Question: Tell me about your family. Kids, pets, etc.

Answer: I’m married to Mark Hanselman, who also works at WVU, and we have three kids, David, Noah and Daniel, who are between the ages of 20 and 27. Noah is a proud WVU graduate from the Class of 2022.

Question: Where are you from? What made you move to/represent WV?

Answer: I’m a true townie, born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia and I attended WVU. After graduation, I took a job in Myrtle Beach, where I met my husband, Mark. I later returned to Morgantown for my master’s degree before moving again, this time to North Carolina to work for a minor league baseball team. Eventually, we realized that Morgantown’s people and culture made it the perfect place to raise our family, so we came back—and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work for my alma mater.

Question: What do you do in your spare time?

Answer: I love to travel with my friends, whether it’s a cruise, a Disney trip, or even just a quick getaway. I also enjoy reading, cooking and baking.

Question: If you could describe WVU's impact on the state in one word, what would it be?

Answer: Everything! Growing up in Morgantown, I can’t imagine this state without WVU. The University plays a vital role in driving growth while embracing the beauty and character of West Virginia.

Question: What would you say is WVU’s greatest strength?

Answer: The backbone of West Virginia is the people. West Virginians are hardworking, resilient and deeply committed to making our state better. That same spirit is at the heart of the WVU community, everyone wants to see West Virginia thrive.

Question: Where is your favorite place to visit in West Virginia?

Answer: Outside of Morgantown, I love visiting Canaan Valley and Pipestem. The natural beauty, state parks and cozy cabins hold some of my favorite memories.

Question: What is your favorite West Virginia event/tradition?

Answer: West Virginia has incredible festivals! County fairs, the WV State Fair and the Buckwheat Festival are all must-experience events. And of course, WVU sports games, especially baseball, are a huge favorite of mine.

Question: What is your favorite hidden gem in West Virginia?

Answer: There are so many and many I have yet to explore! I love visiting the world’s largest teapot in Chester, WV. As a foodie, I also have to mention The Secret Sandwich Society in Fayetteville—they make some of the most creative sandwiches.

Question: Pepperoni roll or WVU cookie?

Answer: Pepperoni roll, but only if it’s made with pepperoni sticks.

Question: How does your work at Mountaineer Parents Club impact WVU?

Answer: The Mountaineer Parents Club plays a key role in connecting families to WVU. We serve as a bridge, sharing information that parents and families might not otherwise have access to and helping them feel like part of the Mountaineer community.

Question: What does a day in the job look like for you?

Answer: Every day is different. I might be attending orientation, planning recruitment events, responding to questions on our Facebook page, or taking calls from parents who need support. A big part of my role is making sure parents feel heard and have the resources they need.

Question: What is the most rewarding part of your role?

Answer: Knowing I’ve made a difference for families. Sometimes, it’s as simple as providing a resource they didn’t know existed. Just the other day, I spoke with a parent who was on the fence about their child attending WVU due to housing concerns. After our conversation, they felt reassured and excited about their child’s decision. Moments like that make this job so meaningful.

Question: Do you have a favorite success story of when Government Relations impacted WVU or our state?

Answer: The Government Relations team does incredible work, especially when it comes to policy changes that affect our students and families. Their efforts in navigating the Campus Carry transition were a great example. They took the time to meet with parents, answer questions and address concerns to help ease anxieties as much as possible.

Question: What is one thing you wish people understood more about what you do?

Answer: How much the Mountaineer Parents Club is involved in every part of WVU, from recruitment to commencement. We may not always be front and center, but we are constantly working behind the scenes to support students and their families, making sure they feel connected and informed every step of the way.