WVU welcomes additional state investments to advance education, service missions

West Virginia Universitywill use additional state funding included in the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget by Gov. Patrick Morrisey and members of the Legislature to invest in its people and programs.

"We are thankful our state leaders continue to support higher education, which opens doors to career paths for the Mountain State's future workforce," President Michael T. Bensonsaid following the end of the regular session.

"Any increase in investment helps us recruit, educate, and graduate students. This was my first session as the University's president and the support WVU has within the halls of the State Capitol is evident. I look forward to continued collaboration with state leaders in the future for the betterment of all of West Virginia."

On March 12 - two days before the close of the session - Gov. Morrisey signed a budget compromise that increases the University's base appropriation by rewarding its performance in the higher education funding formula, and by providing adjustments to help with pay raises and increased employer share costs for the Public Employees Insurance Agency, or PEIA.

The budget also reversed a 2% cut to higher education institutions.

"Our governor and state lawmakers understand the high return on investment West Virginia receives from WVU and we are appreciative of that," said Travis Mollohan, associate vice president for WVU Government Relations and Collaboration. His team advocates for the University's interests at the State Capitol throughout the year.

"The recent independently conducted Tripp Umbach Economic Impact Reportshows that every $1 in state funding for WVU generates more than $9 in statewide impact, affirming the University's role as a catalyst for West Virginia's prosperity and innovation."

In addition to the budget increase, the Legislature approved a supplemental appropriation of $32 million in one-time funding for projects at the WVU School of Medicine, which offers the largest number of accredited residency and fellowship programs in West Virginia.

Upwards of 2,330 West Virginians are studying health programs at WVU.

"The funding will be used to expand programs and improve classrooms, lab space and student-facing areas," Dr. Clay Marsh, chancellor and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences, said.

"More than 14,300 Health Sciences alumni live and serve the health care needs of West Virginians in all 55 counties. Investments in our School of Medicine and Health Sciences programs help ensure we are preparing our students to serve their patients now and far into the future."

A separate supplemental appropriation will also provide $5 million to the WVU School of Dentistryfor improvements to the main student clinic. The state funding is a match for more than $27 million in federal funding secured through the Congressionally Directed Spending Program.

The planned facilities renovations represent the next phase in ongoing large scale improvementsat West Virginia's only dental school.

"The dual professions of education and dentistry are evolving at a rapid pace," Dr. Stephen Pachuta, dean of the WVU School of Dentistry, said. "These projects are essential to modernize our academic and clinical education programs to support student-focused education and patient-centered care.

"Over 80% of the dentists practicing in West Virginia are graduates of our School of Dentistry. Our facilities must enable excellence in education, a commitment to patient care, and research in service to our University's land-grant mission."

The supplemental funding for both the WVU School of Medicine and WVU School of Dentistry was included in HB 5682, which has been signed by Gov. Morrisey. More details on both projects will be announced later this year.

Additional University-supported bills are awaiting Gov. Morrisey's review. April 1 is the final day for gubernatorial action.

To build on the University's momentum, WVU alumni and friends will have opportunities to fuel advancement for future generations during the ninth Day of Givingon March 25, the annual 24-hour fundraising effort organized by the WVU Foundation.

Find more information about Day of Giving.

Read more about WVU Government Relations.

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sj/3/20/26

MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; [email protected]

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