March 7, 2025 Special Edition

In Review

Under the Dome delivers a review of issues being considered by the West Virginia Legislature. It provides information on matters that impact WVU and higher education, as well as other hot topics being addressed that affect the Mountain State and its citizens. This special edition includes images from WVU and WVU Extension Day at the Legislature, a special tribute to President Gee, and the Universities United celebration.

WVU and WVU Extension Day

This week, the Legislature celebrated WVU Day at the State Capitol. President Gee, alongside WVU Tech President T. Ramon Stuart, WVU Potomac State College President Jerry Wallace, Mountaineer Braden Adkins, BOG Chairman Rick Pill, several deans, faculty, students and staff, joined together to honor the WVU community, our programs and our service mission to the Mountain State.

University supporters were on hand to share how WVU is helping move West Virginia forward, while more than 250 4-H youth filled the halls of the capitol building to share the pride and purpose of WVU.

A Distinguished West Virginian

In a heartwarming and celebrated moment at the Capitol Complex on Wednesday, Governor Patrick Morrisey delivered the Distinguished West Virginian award to WVU President E. Gordon Gee. It’s the highest honor the Governor of West Virginia can bestow upon a person for their outstanding achievement and service to the state.

Governor Morrisey, Marshall University President Brad Smith, BOG Chairman Rick Pill, Vice President for Economic Innovation James Hoyer and Monongalia County Senator Mike Oliverio spoke about President Gee’s legacy in higher education.

Universities United

Students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni from WVU and Marshall came together in Charleston on the evening of March 4 to celebrate Universities United. In its third consecutive year, the joint event showcases our collaborative work and engagement to advance and support the state. Presidents Gee and Smith addressed the crowd and thanked legislators and state leaders for their support at the Culture Center. The WVU Health System and Marshall Health Network partnered with the two universities to host the evening.

Media Coverage

• MetroNews, A “Talkline” segment with Jorge Atiles starts at 20:10, with Jason Gross at 39:35 and with President Gordon Gee at 1:27:05.

• Gee visits the Capitol for one final WVU Day at the Legislature, WVMetroNews

• WVU Day at the Capitol: STEM on display, Mountaineer mascot makes the rounds, Charleston Gazette-Mail

• Media Advisory: WVU Day at the Legislature to highlight statewide outreach, WVU Today (Also ran on West Virginia Press Association)

• WVU’s land-grant mission: Advance innovation and economic prosperity, E. Gordon Gee, West Virginia Press Association Blog

More Information

To learn more about the Legislature, including district maps, committee assignments, bill tracking and a summary of daily activities, please visit wvlegislature.gov.

To learn more about WVU’s government relations and legislative initiatives, contact Travis Mollohan, associate vice president for government relations and collaboration, at tmolloh1@mail.wvu.edu or Dan Kimble, director of state relations, at dkimble3@mail.wvu.edu.