Travis Mollohan
A native of Braxton County, Travis Mollohan represents and advocates on behalf of WVU with the WV State Legislature and the WV Governor’s office, as well as federal, state, county and local officials across the Mountain State. Prior to joining WVU, he served as a long-time aide to U.S. Senator Joe Manchin. He previously worked for Manchin in campaign, gubernatorial and senatorial roles, where he last served as director of outreach initiatives and constituent services for the Senator’s state operations. Locally, he works with the Empty Bowls Monongalia board of directors and he serves on the Morgantown Area Partnership board and executive committee. He resides in Morgantown with his wife, Lindsey, daughter, Claire and rescue dog, Harvey.
GET TO KNOW TRAVIS
Question: Where are you from? What made you want to represent WVU?
Answer: I grew up in Rosedale, a small, rural town in Braxton County, right in the heart of West Virginia. I always knew I wanted to be a Mountaineer and when I graduated high school in 2000, I made that dream a reality. WVU opened doors for me, giving me new perspectives, friendships and experiences I never could have imagined. As a first-generation college student, attending and now serving the University is one of the greatest honors.
Question: Tell me about your family.
Answer: I’ve been married to Lindsey for 11 years and we have a 7-year-old daughter, Claire. We also have our rescue dog, Harvey. My family has deep roots in West Virginia, my ancestors settled here in the 1700s. On my dad's side, I have six uncles, one aunt and 34 first cousins, with me being the youngest. My parents still live in the same town and the same house from my childhood.
Question: What do you do in your spare time?
Answer: I’m a big movie buff. I’ll watch anything from blockbuster hits like Star Wars to niche European films. One of my favorite memories from being a WVU student is going to the Warner to see small, independent films and lining up at midnight with friends to watch Lord of the Rings in 2001. I also love reading, especially books on seafaring adventures, stories about naval warfare during the Napoleonic Era or about shipwrecks and surviving at sea. But if I had to pick my favorite genres it would be horror and fantasy. I especially love when the two genres are mixed. A big part of my time is spent with my family. I enjoy taking my daughter to the movies or to Cooper’s Rock. One day, I hope to take her to explore the world beyond our state’s borders.
Question: If you could describe WVU's impact on that state in a few words, what would it be?
Answer: Opportunity. WVU creates opportunities for our students through education, for our state by driving innovation and job creation, for business and industry by providing a partner and for our communities by investing in their growth and success. The University is a bridge to a better future, one that brings hope to West Virginians in every corner of the state.
Question: What would you say is WVU’s greatest strength?
Answer: West Virginia University’s brand. It connects us all and is a big force in all of West Virginia and even beyond. It’s “Country Roads” after a game, the pride families feel when their kids attend and the way a WVU football game can make someone’s day and, if it’s a good season, their entire year. WVU represents the hopes, dreams and resilience of West Virginia and that’s something truly powerful.
Question: Where is your favorite place to visit in West Virginia?
Answer: Berkeley Springs. There are many wonderful places to explore there such as Cacapon Resort, hiking trails and unique local shops and breweries to walk around and explore. It is small enough to be easy to navigate, yet there is something about Berkeley Springs that feels truly unique. In fact, I have even looked at several cabins to buy there. To me it’s one of the best small towns in West Virginia.
Question: What is your favorite hidden gem in West Virginia?
Answer: It’s not a place; it’s the rich folklore. There are a lot of interesting legends and supernatural aspects of West Virginia that I find fascinating. From the paranormal trail, the Mothman statue and the Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum, our state is full of unique stories that make the Mountain State stand out.
Question: Pepperoni roll or WVU cookie?
Answer: Pepperoni roll — especially the ones from the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont. Nothing is better than a pepperoni roll covered in mozzarella and provolone cheese with Oliverio’s peppers.
Question: How does your work at the federal level impact WVU?
Answer: Our job is to build and maintain relationships, because relationships drive impact. In a state as close-knit as West Virginia, personal connections matter. Our work ensures that WVU remains a strong partner to both state and federal leaders, helping to shape policies that benefit our students, faculty and the communities we serve. Whether it’s securing funding, influencing legislation, or advocating for higher education priorities, everything we do is rooted in strengthening those relationships.
Question: What does a day in the job look like for you?
Answer: No two days are ever the same. Mornings usually start with returning calls and texts and reviewing policy updates, news reports and legislative developments to stay ahead of what’s happening at the state and federal levels. Throughout the day, I’m in constant conversation with University leadership, faculty and policymakers — reviewing draft bills, preparing for legislative sessions and strategizing how to best position WVU for success. I also spend a lot of time advising faculty and administrators on how to engage with legislators and ensure that our University’s voice is heard. At the end of the day, everything comes back to one thing — building strong, lasting relationships.
Question: What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Answer: Building honest relationships. Whether we’re celebrating a major policy win or facing a tough challenge, the most valuable thing we walk away with is a strong, honest relationship. People know that when WVU’s Government Relations team walks into a room, we bring facts, integrity and a genuine desire to do what’s best for our University and our state. That trust is invaluable and it’s what makes this work so rewarding.
Question: Do you have a favorite success story of when Government Relations impacted WVU or our state?
Answer: One of our biggest wins has been our work with WVU’s School of Dentistry. Our dental facilities were outdated, some dating back to the 1950s, but this program is critical to the health of our state. Around 80% of West Virginia’s dentists are WVU graduates and the school provides essential dental care to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access. Through strong partnerships with state leaders, University leadership and faculty, we secured the funding needed to modernize the facility. That investment will have a lasting impact, not just on WVU, but on the health and economy of our entire state. That’s what it means to fulfill our land-grant mission.
Question: What is one thing you wish people understood more about what you do?
Answer: Advocacy isn’t always loud, but that doesn’t mean it’s not effective. Some of our most impactful work happens behind closed doors, in quiet conversations with policymakers, faculty and community leaders. Even when you don’t see it, we are constantly working to advance WVU’s mission and advocate for our students, faculty and state.
