West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson sat down with host Shannon Perrine on Sunday’s episode of 4 The Record to share his vision for the university’s future. The conversation, recorded for a statewide audience, focused on two core themes: the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education and WVU’s distinctive place as West Virginia’s premier research institution.
AI becomes a campus priority
“I need to say that AI is impacting everything,” Benson said. He explained that the administration is taking a hard look at curricula, faculty development, and student services to ensure every graduate leaves WVU with solid AI proficiency. The goal, he added, is to teach students how to use AI responsibly while preparing them for jobs that may not even exist yet.
To achieve that, WVU plans to embed AI modules across a range of programs, from engineering to liberal arts. The university will also expand partnerships with industry leaders to provide hands‑on experience and internships that reflect the evolving job market. Benson emphasized that this effort is not a fleeting trend but a long‑term commitment to keep West Virginia’s workforce competitive.
WVU’s flagship status and community responsibility
When asked about WVU’s role in the state, Benson highlighted the school’s unique combination of research intensity, land‑grant mission, and top‑tier athletics. “We’re the only Research 1 land‑grant flagship university in the state that plays athletics at the highest level. I think we may be the only one in the country,” he said.
He noted that, in his more than 30 years in higher education, he has never seen a flagship university mean as much to a state as WVU does to West Virginia. “We take that responsibility very seriously,” Benson affirmed, underscoring the university’s commitment to serve not only its students but also the broader Mountain State community.
Looking ahead
Benson’s remarks signal a clear strategic direction for WVU: invest in cutting‑edge technology education while leveraging the university’s research capabilities to drive economic growth across the region. By aligning academic programs with emerging industry needs, WVU aims to retain talent in West Virginia and attract new businesses that value a highly skilled workforce.
Listeners can watch the full interview in the video player above to hear more details about upcoming initiatives, scholarship opportunities, and how WVU plans to balance its academic mission with its athletic prominence.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
