Issuing a call for collaboration focused on the future, West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson gave his first official report during a special meeting for the University’s Board of Governors on Wednesday (July 23).
“We have a defining opportunity ahead of us to shape the future of this University,” Benson said.
In addition to welcoming Benson, BOG Chair Rusty Hutson introduced several new BOG members who are taking seats ahead of the Aug. 20 start of the academic year.
“These new members — each with strong ties to the Mountain State — bring a wealth of experience in public service, agriculture, athletics, technology and infrastructure to the Board,” Hutson said. “Their appointments come at a pivotal time as the University advances academic, research and outreach priorities across West Virginia and beyond, and I look forward to working with all of them for the benefit of WVU.”
On July 11, Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed two new members of the board — Oliver Luck and Jim Martin — and reappointed Bray Cary for a second term.
Luck, a former standout WVU quarterback and athletic director, has held executive roles with the NFL, NCAA and XFL. He has overseen major stadium developments in Houston and now chairs a national consulting firm focused on athletics and education, Altius Sports Partners.
Martin is president and CEO of Citynet, a broadband company he helped grow from a student-launched venture into a major regional provider with more than 250 employees and operations across five cities. He has served on the West Virginia Broadband Deployment Council and continues to support internet access expansion in rural communities.
Cary is a WVU alumnus and longtime media executive. He founded Creative Sports which was later acquired by ESPN, helped facilitate NASCAR’s $2.4 billion media rights deal and has been a dedicated advocate for state economic development.
Previously announced appointees include Terry Hauser, Paul Mattox and Charles Wilfong.
Hauser, named West Virginia Outstanding Young Farmer, operates Dell Ridge Farms in Preston County and has led hands-on agricultural programming for students in grades nine through 12 at Preston High School. He’s also served as a national presenter at the 2022 National Association of Agricultural Educators conference and as vice chair of the Dairy Farmers of America Young Farmer Program, blending classroom leadership with firsthand farming experience.
Mattox has nearly 40 years of experience in civil engineering and public infrastructure. He served as West Virginia’s Transportation Secretary and Commissioner of Highways from 2005 to 2017, the state’s longest tenure. He’s led major projects across the state and is a registered engineer in six states.
Wilfong, a longtime advocate for rural communities, operates Wilfong Farms, a 10,000-acre cattle and sheep operation in Pocahontas County. He has served as president of the West Virginia Farm Bureau since 1997 and has been recognized by WVU Extension for his commitment to rural development and education. His voice continues to be influential in shaping the future of farming in the Mountain State.
The meeting was the first full Board meeting for Scott Crichlow, faculty representative, Dianne Stewart, Classified Staff representative, and Colin Street, student representative.
Crichlow, an associate professor in the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Department of Political Science and 2025-26 Faculty Senate chair, has been a West Virginian and University faculty member for more than 20 years. His research and teaching centers on topics related to decision-making, political institutions, foreign policy and political psychology.
Stewart, a program assistant for the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and Staff Council member, has contributed to the University in a variety of roles during the past 15 years. She currently supports undergraduate and graduate students in the Statler College from recruitment through degree completion.
Street, a junior from Morgantown triple majoring in political science, environmental and energy resources management, and multidisciplinary studies, is the 2025-26 Student Government Association president. He is a 2023 Foundation Scholar and will graduate in 2027.
During the meeting, the Board approved leadership positions, naming Bray Cary as Ad Hoc Governance Committee chair, Elmer Coppoolse as Strategic Plans and Initiatives Committee chair, Charles Capito as Academic Affairs and Accreditation Committee chair, Secretary Paul Mattox as Divisional Campus Committee chair, Vice Chair Robert “Bob” Reynolds as Audit Committee chair, and Steve Ruby as Finance, Facilities and Revitalization Committee chair.
View the July 23 BOG special meeting agenda and meeting materials.
The next regular BOG meeting is scheduled for Sept. 12.
