West Virginia University Will Inaugurate Michael T. Benson
The ceremony for the university's 27th president will be held this Thursday in Morgantown.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People
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West Virginia University will hold an inauguration ceremony for President Michael T. Benson on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The event at the Canady Creative Arts Center marks the first such ceremony at the institution since 2007.
Why it matters
The ceremony will serve as a platform for President Benson to outline his strategic vision for the university and its role within the region. He aims to showcase the current and future status of the school while detailing his plans for education, research, health, and service.
Michael T. Benson is the 27th president of the university and recently completed a 6,600-mile tour covering all 55 counties in West Virginia. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
The players
Michael T. Benson
He is the 27th president of West Virginia University and succeeded Gordon Gee.
Gordon Gee
He is the former president of West Virginia University who was succeeded by Michael T. Benson.
The details
Following his assumption of office on July 27, 2025, President Benson traveled extensively across the state to engage with the community. Attendees at the ceremony, which is free to the public, must RSVP to attend the event at the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre.
Timeline
The previous university inauguration occurred in 2007.
Michael T. Benson assumed office on July 27, 2025.
The inauguration ceremony takes place on October 15, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Market Landscape
The inauguration signals the formal commencement of leadership goals centered on the university's Strategic Compass. This move positions the administration to prioritize institutional growth in education, health, and discovery compared to the university's previous leadership tenure.
Local residents and university affiliates may attend the ceremony for free, provided they complete the required RSVP process. The event offers community members an opportunity to learn about the incoming president's plans for the region and the future trajectory of the institution.
The takeaway
President Benson's extensive state tour underscores a focus on statewide engagement and regional accessibility. Attendees are encouraged to review the university website to finalize their registration ahead of the event.
Further reading
For more information on the university leadership and staff, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WV MetroNews.
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