Sept. 20, 2026

$321 Million & 20,000 Jobs: The Bet on West Virginia - with Michael T. Benson, President, West Virginia University

Key Takeaways

Michael T. Benson shares his unique perspective as a five-time university president and explains what drew him to lead West Virginia University.
A massive $321 million Engines grant and 20,000 projected new jobs represent a transformative economic bet on the state of West Virginia and its workforce.
The discussion explores the vital role higher education plays in uplifting the poorest quartile of a state through targeted economic development.
President Michael T. Benson addresses the intersection of modern AI technology in education and his surprising desire to bring back traditional blue books.

It's YOUR time to #EdUp with Michael T. Benson, President, West Virginia University

This episode, President Series #509, is powered by ⁠⁠⁠Ellucian⁠⁠⁠ - Higher Ed's AI-Enriched Platform!

This episode is sponsored by the InsightsEDU 2027 Conference - focused on attracting & retaining the modern learner - where we will be podcasting live from February 23-25 in Phoenix, AZ! Use code EDUP & save $100! Early-bird pricing ends December 15, 2026!

This episode is also sponsored by 2026 Arizona Community College Administrators Conference where we will be podcasting live from October 7-9 on the campus of Yavapai College!

This episode is brought to you by Beyond Survival: Reporting from the Front Lines of Higher Education’s War for Relevance is a documentary account from the front lines of the most consequential upheaval in higher ed in generations!

YOUR cohost is Laura Ipsen, President & CEO, Ellucian

YOUR host is ⁠Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

How does a 5 time president decide a place is home, & why did WVU check every box his mentor set?
What does a $321 million Engines grant & 20,000 projected jobs mean for the poorest quartile of a state?
Why does a historian president want to bring blue books back in the age of AI?

Listen in to #EdUp

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the guest on this episode of The EdUp Experience?

The guest is Michael T. Benson, President of West Virginia University and a five-time university president.

What major economic development is discussed with Michael T. Benson?

The episode covers a $321 million Engines grant and a projection of 20,000 new jobs aimed at driving economic growth in West Virginia.

Who hosts The EdUp Experience podcast?

The podcast is hosted by Dr. Joe Sallustio, with co-hosting contributions from industry leaders like Laura Ipsen, President & CEO of Ellucian, and production by Elvin Freytes.