By: Justin Walker | WV Sports Chat; Original Story by WVU Athletics Communications
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – At a time of profound change in college athletics, the West Virginia University Board of Governors voted unanimously for a resolution in support of WVU Athletics, calling for the development of a financial plan that positions the University in the top funding tier among Big 12 institutions, while simultaneously strengthening the University’s paramount core academic mission.
“A strong and visible Athletics program is essential to advancing student enrollment, enriching the student experience, strengthening alumni and donor engagement, supporting recruitment of talented faculty and staff and providing a source of pride and connection for Mountaineer fans in West Virginia and around the world,” Robert “Rusty” Hutson Jr., BOG chair said.
The resolution directs athletics leadership to be in regular collaboration with the BOG to develop and present a financial operational plan that not only strengthens athletics but also the University’s paramount core academic mission.
“WVU Athletics is at a pivotal moment as we enter a new era of college sports, and with the steadfast support of our Board of Governors through this resolution, we will be positioned to meet that moment from a place of strength,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. “WVU Athletics serves as a source of pride to our state, it bolsters our brand, and it connects our 210,000-plus Mountaineers around the world to the University they know and love. We look forward to a trajectory of continued success for our student-athletes as our Board of Governors, University administration, committed alumni and corporate partners rally together to build its future.”
RESOLUTION OF THE WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY BOARD OF GOVERNORS
WHEREAS, the landscape of intercollegiate athletics has undergone profound transformation in recent years, particularly within the Power 4 conferences, requiring member institutions to adapt strategically to remain competitive; and
WHEREAS, the WVU Board of Governors (“WVU Board”) recognizes the imperative of positioning the WVU Athletics programs to compete at the highest level, thereby ensuring continued success and stability in this evolving environment; and
WHEREAS, a strong and visible Athletics program is essential to advance student enrollment, enriches the student experience, strengthens alumni and donor engagement, supports recruitment of talented faculty and staff, and provides a source of pride and connection for Mountaineer fans in West Virginia and those around the world; and
WHEREAS, the WVU Board reaffirms that West Virginia University is first and foremost an academic institution, dedicated to providing outstanding educational opportunities, attracting and retaining a highly qualified and respected faculty, maintaining and enhancing the university’s R1 research designation and academic medical center, and preparing students to be leaders in their professions and communities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the West Virginia University Board of Governors hereby directs University and Athletics leadership, in regular collaboration with the WVU Board, to develop and present to the Board, at its February 2026 meeting, a financial and operational plan that positions WVU Athletics in the top funding tier among Big 12 institutions, while simultaneously strengthening the University’s paramount core academic mission, and to report to the Board on the development of that plan at the Board’s November 2025 and December 2025 meetings.
Photo Credit: WVU Sports
