Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what is most important. As I spend time with
my family this year, I will have much to be grateful for, including the privilege
of serving as president of West Virginia University for the past decade.
Spending time with my grandchildren will also turn my thoughts to the future. A
Gallup survey last year found a growing number of Americans worry whether today’s
youth can expect a high quality of life.
As a land-grant institution, West Virginia University’s purpose is to help people
when it matters most. And nothing our university does has a more powerful and direct
impact on people than the lifesaving care our health care professionals provide.
Last month kicked off the first day of classes and the beginning of West Virginia University’s fall semester. The start of a school year always represents potential. There is a sense of excitement in the air. Optimism is contagious. There are numerous opportunities to make new friends, try different experiences and continue to develop as a person.
For the last ten years, I have gone
on county tours to visit our state’s 55 counties. I believe our campus
stretches beyond the physical borders of Morgantown, Beckley or Keyser. Our
campus encompasses the entire state, and nothing excites me more than to visit
the communities that are proud to call us their flagship university. Alongside
graduation and beating Pitt: it is one of those events that never gets old.
“Last” can be defined as a conclusion; a time when things are done. However, as I
prepare for my final – or last – year at West Virginia University, I am not focused
on concluding my tenure as a university president. Instead, I am focused on ensuring
the work we are doing at West Virginia University – to ensure every West Virginian
has access to a world-class education, to improve the future of our beloved state
and to contribute to our American democracy – will last.
My life’s calling has been to change lives through education. And for 44 years, I
have been inspired to work every day alongside others who have shared that calling
with me. There is no doubt that higher education is at a pivotal moment today.
At such a moment, it is important to remain grounded in the principles that form
the foundation for our university.