Dr. Ali Rezai named Big 12 Faculty of the Year honoree

Community Bulletin

Since joining Vandalia Health, the former Davis Health System has widened access across central West Virginia. Primary care remains the front door — now at five clinics, including Buckhannon Medical Care, backed by a 190-location network. Read more →

This story brought to you paywall-free, courtesy of the My Buckhannon team and our community partners

The WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute announced that Ali Rezai, M.D., executive chair of the RNI, has been selected as West Virginia University’s 2026 Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award recipient, according to a press release.

Announced by the Big 12 Conference, the award recognizes one faculty member from each member institution whose achievements in research, innovation and education have made a significant impact on their campus and beyond. Dr. Rezai was honored for his leadership in advancing care for people with neurological and mental health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and addiction, as well as for shaping the RNI into a world-class center for patient care, scientific discovery and training.

Under Rezai’s direction, the RNI has grown to more than 300 physicians and scientists in seven departments, supported by more than 2,500 professionals who provide 330,000 neurological and mental health patient visits each year. His commitment to translational research, innovative clinical programs and multidisciplinary collaboration continues to redefine the future of neuroscience.

WVU joins the Big 12 Conference in congratulating Dr. Rezai and the 2026 cohort of honorees, each exemplifying the essential role faculty play in driving knowledge, innovation and real-world impact.

Local Businesses

Kelley Tierney State Farm

Recent Stories

John Richard Ireland

John Richard Ireland, 63, of Buckhannon, WV, died October 15, 2026. He will be remembered for his loving spirit, unique personality and the joy he brought to those who knew him.

Obituary John Richard Ireland