From Tudor’s Biscuit World to the Custard Stand, high schools to underground coal mines, local coffee shops, furniture stores, farmers markets, and of course, a few museums, leg three of President Michael T. Benson’s Welcome Home Tour has come to a close.
Along the three-day trip, Benson made new stops in Boone, Gilmer, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, and Preston Counties, totaling 28 of 55 counties. He also returned to Harrison, Kanawha, and Lewis Counties.
Northbound on I-79 en route back to Morgantown, Benson upheld a long-standing family tradition to reflect on the “highs and lows” of the road trip.
“Highs” included going underground at Core Energy’s Mountain Laurel Mine in Logan County, touring the Mine Wars Museum in Matewan, visiting the students and counselors at George Washington and Lincoln County High Schools, hearing the incredible successes of WVU Extension at their annual retreat, meeting the people of Boone County, gathering with alumni, eating the most epic lunch at Glenville State while learning more about their students and academics, and experiencing the sense of pride in small communities in Southern West Virginia.“I will never again take for granted turning on a light, using electricity, or anything else that’s powered by coal because people work so hard, and in many ways, put their lives on the line every day and sacrifice so the rest of the world can enjoy the quality of life that we have,” Benson said while exiting the elevator shaft after going down 310 feet and taking the mantrip a mile and a half underground at Mountain Laurel.
President Benson connects with the team underground at Core Energy's Mountain Laurel Mine
He expressed his full support for continuing Statler College programs in mine engineering and mine safety to enhance the talent pipeline from the classroom to the field.
“I’m in awe of the technology, equipment, and safety precautions, and truly grateful for the Core Energy team’s hospitality. On the heels of visiting the Mine Wars Museum and learning more about the history of the mines and mining communities in Southern West Virginia, I really came away so inspired and so grateful.”
Benson noted that he also never takes for granted the chance to meet with alumni and other members of the WVU family. Each conversation provokes a greater understanding of WVU history and culture, as well as emphasizes the University’s core focus to fulfill our land-grant mission through service, education, and healthcare.
WVU service and healthcare unite in Boone County thanks to WVU and WVU Medicine cultivating strong partnerships with community and independent medical centers. Boone Memorial Hospital now receives WVU Medicine support in their general surgery, pulmonology, and cancer departments so locals have access to the highest quality treatments and care in their hometowns.
Spreading Mountaineer spirit — President Michael T. Benson shares the iconic WVU "Let's Go" flag with Lincoln County High School students, Dez, Will, and Wesley.
On this road trip, “lows” interchanged for opportunity.
“There should be more of a WVU presence in Southern West Virginia. I look forward to changing that,” Benson said.
“I want to make sure that students across our state, including here in the southern region, see the opportunities WVU and our three campuses have to offer. Morgantown may feel too big and too far initially, but there are also incredible options at WVU Tech and Potomac State College. Maybe after a few years experiencing the college life in Beckley or Keyser, they pursue a master’s or other degree at our flagship campus. The opportunities are endless.”
New vice president of Enrollment Management, Fabrizio D’Aloisio, also joined for a few stops. Three days into the job, D’Aloisio and Benson enthusiastically shared with principals and administrators the same vision of bringing more middle and high school students and counselors to campus.
“When students visit, they start to visualize life at WVU, how they can fit in, and understand all the programs, places, and people that make WVU one of the most special institutions in the country,” D’Aloisio said. “Same goes for school counselors. I’d like to showcase our facilities, campus life, and resources so counselors can confidently share all that WVU has to offer with their students across the state.”
D’Aloisio emphasized the University’s focus will be to make sure college remains affordable and accessible. In fact, in May 2024, 43% of WVU graduates systemwide earning bachelor’s degrees had zero federal student loan debt, which is far above the national average.
President Michael T. Benson delivers opening session remarks at the WVU Extension annual retreat at WVU Jackson's Mill.
On his journey, Benson also revealed his leadership style to a group of legislators, economic development officers, and local leaders.
“Eisenhower once said, ‘Leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving your subordinates credit for everything that goes well.’
“That’s my leadership style. When things go wrong, I take the blame. When they go right — and they will — it’s because of my team. The same goes for economic development. Taking responsibility when things go poorly is the hallmark of a great leader.”
At every stop, one message stood out: Benson encourages every West Virginia student to “do something” after high school. That could mean attending WVU, but if that’s not the right fit, it might be a two- or four-year college, a trade school, or a certification program. Any form of post-secondary education, he says, can lead to a better quality of life: higher earnings, job security, more career options, and greater upward mobility, both financially and personally.
Benson will continue his message during the rest of his Welcome Home Tour. He plans to reach all 55 counties before the end of his first year as president.
President Michael T. Benson tours the Mine Wars Museum in Matewan, exploring the history of mining and mining communities in Southern West Virginia.
WVU President Michael T. Benson indulges in two of his favorite past times, eating ice cream and surveying maps. He popped into the Custard Stand in Flatwoods as he retraced his journey on leg three of the Welcome Home Tour.
President Benson starts the day the West Virginia way — with a biscuit at the legendary Tudor’s Biscuit World in Lincoln County.