Washington, D.C. may be 200 miles from Morgantown, but our presence there is anything but distant. “Fly-ins” are regular for our University leaders, faculty members, researchers, and students to meet with our West Virginia congressional delegation on Capitol Hill.
For more than a decade, the Office of Federal Relations, led by Suzanne Bentzel, has made sure that our University presence is continuously felt.
This past year, Mountaineers made an especially strong showing in D.C. From championing NIL reform to advancing national conversations on science, education, and workforce development, we show that “Let’s Go!” is not just our rallying cry — it is a call to action.
Highlights
As the collegiate athletics industry continues to transform, our leaders joined the front lines to discuss the need for Name, Image, and Likeness legislation.
From left to right: Former WVU President E. Gordon Gee, Director of Athletics Wren Baker, Presidential Fellow Azeem Khan, and Director of Federal Relations Suzanne Bentzel.
Our land-grant mission defines us as an institution. Dean of Extension and Engagement Jorge Atiles and WVU Extension agents championed the need for robust USDA Smith-Lever program funding to help West Virginians stay informed on the latest agricultural techniques.
As West Virginia’s only R1 institution, science and research funding are critical to enhance our research portfolio. Faculty and student researchers represented our research mission.
From left to right: WVU student Grady King, WVU student Ella Moats, Director of the WVU Office of Undergraduate Research Dr. Cinthia Pacheco, Assistant Director of the WVU ASPIRE Office Katy Ferrari, and WVU student Christopher Smith.
To champion continued investment in scientific discovery, University leaders attended the 75th anniversary of the National Science Foundation, sponsored by the Coalition for National Science Funding. Representing the University’s voice in shaping funding priorities and policies were Dr. Sheena Murphy, associate vice president of research development, and Dr. Martin Hruska, assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience.
From left to right: Dr. Sheena Murphy, associate vice president of research development, and Dr. Martin Hruska, assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience.
The Mountaineer spirit was palpable on this year’s Big 12 Day on the Hill thanks to members of our Student Government Association, including Vice President Abigail Browning, Legislative Officer Logan Pierce, and at-large Senator Shelby Davis.
From left to right: SGA Vice President Abigail Browning, SGA Legislative Officer Logan Pierce, and at-large SGA Senator Shelby Davis.