Dr. Michael Benson, the newly appointed President of West Virginia University, has embarked on an extensive “Welcome Home Tour,” a strategic initiative designed to immerse him in the diverse communities and vital institutions across the Mountain State, fostering direct engagement and understanding.
A key stop on this comprehensive 18-county journey included a significant visit to WVU Medicine United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, highlighting the integral role of the university’s expansive healthcare system in serving the region. This particular visit underscored the dedication of WVU President Benson to recognizing the critical infrastructure supporting public well-being.
Further demonstrating his commitment to understanding the breadth of the university’s influence, Michael Benson also made a crucial stop at WVU Jackson’s Mill. This historic site, central to the state’s 4-H programs and extension efforts, provided insight into the rich traditions and community-focused missions deeply embedded within the fabric of West Virginia. He emphasized the significance of programs like 4-H as vital components of the university’s extension and mission.
President Benson, who officially assumed his role on July 15, is actively learning about the formidable WVU Medicine Health System, which encompasses 25 hospitals and five specialty institutes. His tour emphasizes the consistent, high-quality care patients can expect across all WVU Medicine facilities, a testament to its unified approach to health and wellness.
The WVU Health System’s significant growth is remarkable, now ranking as the 60th largest in the nation, with an expanding footprint reaching into Ohio and Pennsylvania. Dr. David Hess, CEO of United Hospital Center, highlighted how this vast network provides comprehensive care, suggesting residents truly do not need to seek services elsewhere, underscoring the system’s impact on Higher Education and state infrastructure.
Benson stressed the profound importance of direct Community Outreach, affirming WVU’s presence in all 55 counties. Meeting local residents allows the university to listen to their concerns and priorities, ensuring WVU remains responsive to the needs of the people it serves, reinforcing its foundational mission beyond campus boundaries.
The university’s role extends significantly into economic development and job creation, as articulated by Senator Ben Queen. Legislators and communities depend on WVU’s success, recognizing that a thriving university directly correlates with a more prosperous state, providing crucial employment opportunities and educational pathways for countless individuals, strengthening West Virginia’s future.
