MORGANTOWN, W.Va – West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson wants to show the world his vision for the institution during his inauguration
Tthe investiture ceremony is being held at the Canady Creative Arts Center Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre on Thursday at 2 p.m. and Benson hopes to showcase what’s happening now and what will happen on campus in Morgantown.
“It’s a chance for me to kind of spell out a clear vision of where we want to take the university and the impact we intend to have on the state and the region and get people excited about our future because it really is a terribly exciting time to be at the university,” he said on MetroNews Midday.
Benson’s inauguration is the first for a WVU president since Michael Garrison in 2007. He replaced Gordon Gee after assuming the office on July 27, 2025.
Benson welcomes all members of the Mountaineer family to join the festivities on Thursday.
“Family and friends will be here. It’s open to the public at 2 o’clock at the Canady Center for the arts there and I’m really excited for the chance to address the public about the great things happening and we anticipate will happen at West Virginia University,” he said.
Since taking the role as president of WVU, Benson has done his best to embrace not just the university community, but the entire state of West Virginia. He set out on a tour to reach every corner of the state last year and said he fell in love with his new home in the process.
“There’s nothing I’ve enjoyed more in my 30-plus-year career than the 55-county tour that we did to get to know the state–6,600 miles in rental cars, driving it and meeting people everywhere and learning about the history, the culture, and the sites. It’s a beautiful state,” he said.
During his State of the University address last month, Benson laid out the next phase of his “Strategic Compass” which includes priority areas of education, discovery, health, service, and experiences. He is proud to have another opportunity to share his outlook on Thursday.
“I’m really happy to have this opportunity and this privilege to be the 27th president and to, I hope, try to make a difference and move the university forward,” he said.
Admission to the inauguration ceremony is free but RSVPs are required.