Michael T. Benson, West Virginia University’s 27th president, introduced himself to the state Thursday during an hour-long appearance on MetroNews Talkline, live from the company’s Spruce Street studios in Morgantown.
First impression? Solid. The guy seems like he can do it all.
His résumé reads like that of a modern-day Renaissance man. He holds a doctorate from Oxford, a bachelor’s in political science from Brigham Young, a master’s in nonprofit management from Notre Dame, and a Master of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins. He played basketball at both BYU and Oxford, is a classically trained pianist, still teaches history courses to maintain his identity as both president and professor, has a strong track record in fundraising, and is a husband and father. Once a marathon runner, he now opts for hot yoga following a knee replacement. Somewhere along the way, he managed to pen two books.
No word yet on whether he’ll lead the band at halftime – but it wouldn’t be surprising.
When Benson entered the studio, he projected a mix of humble confidence and genuine energy. Approachable and authentic. All traits often associated with that elusive “X factor.”
He didn’t dodge tough questions, even those that might have been a tad uncomfortable. Equally impressive, he wasn’t afraid to say “I don’t know” when asked about topics he’s still getting up to speed on. Rather than deflect, he acknowledged the importance of the questions and the likelihood they may demand attention. In a world full of “fake it till you make it,” his honesty was refreshing.
There’s little doubt he’s an A-player. But WVU will challenge him in ways he hasn’t yet experienced, at least not at this scale.
While his time at Eastern Kentucky University gives him experience with Appalachian institutions, WVU plays on a different, larger field. It’s an R1 research university with a large academic medical center. It faces enrollment headwinds, internal unrest among faculty following recent program and staff cuts, and is navigating the ever-evolving, high-stakes world of college athletics – where NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and revenue sharing have ignited an arms race over who can pay student-athletes the most.
Then there’s the politics.
The WVU Board of Governors has experienced its share of high-profile internal disputes. Some faces have changed with new gubernatorial appointments, but many remain. Benson will need to navigate that dynamic – likely still simmering beneath the surface – while casting and selling a compelling vision for WVU’s future. He acknowledged that not earning the board’s buy-in would be his failure. He did not claim it would be his success if they do buy-in. That stance is telling and one of an effective leader.
And let’s not forget state lawmakers. Benson rightly observed that elected officials should be viewed as donors in their own right – since they appropriate public dollars to WVU and, like private donors, want to see where that money goes. His ability to connect with them may prove as vital as any academic credential.
Circling back to fundraising, Benson laid out an ambitious target: $300 million annually in private giving. He seems entirely at ease with aiming high – and that’s a good thing. As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Benson sees no reason why WVU can’t hit that mark, and he’s vocal about it. He’s done it before – securing multimillion-dollar donations, including record-breaking gifts, at previous institutions. The countdown is on: 365 days and $300 million to go. Godspeed.
First up for Benson though is the public unveiling of his mission statement for WVU – an early test and a glimpse into his vision and operational plan for the school. Without broad adoption and deep internalization from all stakeholders, meaningful progress will be impossible. But Benson understands that. He’s navigated this terrain before.
If asked to handicap the outcome? Expect success. And plenty of it.
Welcome to West Virginia, Mike.