MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University President Gordon Gee used his State of the University speech on Monday to share a message of hope for the future, concern about racial justice and optimism about the institution’s future.
“Our faculty, staff and students have been honing a culture of change. They have cemented our reputation as a place of purpose,” he said. “Indeed, it is that culture of purpose, responsibility and certainly curiosity that has allowed us to move through this pandemic unwavering and sure.”
Gee told the WVU Faculty Senate the coronavirus pandemic forced the country to reevaluate itself, as evident in nationwide demonstrations about social inequality.
“Protests nationwide gave another shock to our system this year as they have shown a spotlight on racial inequities and reaffirmed the need for true social justice,” he said.
Gee said West Virginia University is committed to providing more opportunities for Black students, including partnerships with other schools to give high school students additional opportunities to enroll in the institution.
Gee thanked officials for the developing protocols and testing procedures aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus on campus. According to Gee, the shutdown of face-to-face activities in September resulted in a sharp decrease in cases among students.
Gee’s optimistic points included the Virgin Hyperloop project in Tucker and Grant counties in addition to the $25 million gift from Intuit Inc. executive Brad Smith and his wife, Alys.
“This will be a revolutionary advancement in transportation for our state and our world,” Gee said of the Virgin Hyperloop. “It will make an immense difference to both our economy and to our psyche.”
Gee also pitched the creation of a public safety committee aimed at providing transparency into the institution’s safety services.