CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The newly-created Washington Center for Civics, Culture and Statesmanship at West Virginia University, led by Dr. Patrick Miller, is adding staff and preparing to complete their mission of educating students about the founding principles of our country, according to WVU President Michael T. Benson.
Benson was asked to give an update on the center during WVU’s budget presentation to members of the House of Delegates Finance Committee last week.
Benson, answering questions from House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, said the faculty led by Miller will focus on the founding fundamentals of the country to provide a well-rounded education.
“To create more civic dialog, more emphasis on the founding and principles in our Constitution, and I think the timing with the 250th anniversary of our country is appropriate,” Benson said.
Miller’s hiring was announced by Gov. Patrick Morrisey last October. He signed the bill passed by lawmakers in last year’s session into law a few months earlier.
“Dr. Miller and the Washington Center are going to push back against the woke ideology that’s infected our schools and help return higher education to its true purpose,” Morrissey said.
“The Washington Center is going to educate and inform but, most importantly, give students the tools they need to reach their own conclusions.”
The center has $1.5 million in state funding to support faculty recruitment, curriculum development and public programming.
Hornbuckle questioned the practicality and the potential return on investment in the program in questioning last week.
“Is there a situation where the university was looking at a program that was yielding more people into the workforce if it would be under consideration to move those monies to something that produces more jobs?” Hornbuckle asked.
Benson said the Washington Center will provide an opportunity to learn about civilization and the U.S. in an atmosphere without judgment. He said the kills learned for these pursuits will provide the skills students will need to communicate and succeed in the workplace.
“The program refocuses us on some of the core principles that are really important,” Benson said. “I would argue too that if you study history, science, philosophy, or psychology, you’re going to learn how to write, which is the most important asset you can develop regardless of what you go into.”
Benson said the center will have a faculty of six professors, including Miller who is in the process of hiring the professors and has made two offers to prospective candidates.
“The idea is to get programming, lectures, seminars, and events to get people more familiar with the founding principles of the United States,” Benson said.