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Coastal Carolina University President Michael T. Benson has been selected as West Virginia University's next president, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

West Virginia news media outlets began reporting about WVU selecting Benson on Friday, Feb. 21. The by Hoppy Kercheval, a veteran radio broadcaster in the area.

The WVU board of governors , The Dominion Post reported, adding that the name of the next president would be announced once a contract is signed.

CCU's Board of Trustees released a statement Friday saying Benson was extended an offer to become the next president of West Virginia University.

鈥淭he selection of our sitting president by West Virginia鈥檚 flagship R1 institution, which also boasts an extensive academic medical center, is a testament to President Benson鈥檚 talent and leadership at Coastal Carolina University during the past four years,鈥� said board chairman H. Delan Stevens. 鈥淲hile we will certainly miss President Benson, I believe that his work, along with the work of the board and the University faculty and staff, has positioned us for tremendous opportunities in the days ahead. I am confident that the pool of candidates for the next president of Coastal Carolina University will reflect the remarkable growth and progress the campus community has achieved under his leadership.鈥�

And the search is already on for Benson's replacement.

The university said the board has already called a committee to initiate a national search. BOT vice chair Natasha Hanna and secretary/treasurer Patrick Sparks will serve as chair and vice chair of the presidential search committee, respectively.

CCU said more updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

CCU faculty senate chair and professor Drew Kurlowski sent an email to the faculty Friday to confirm the news, adding that "I believe we are in a strong position moving forward, and that this is a tremendous time of opportunity for Coastal."

"Leadership transitions can be challenging, and it is particularly frustrating that we have had so many in our recent past," the email reads. "However, I think it is a testament to the growing reputation of Coastal that he is moving to a major flagship institution. I think this also bodes well for our potential pool of applicants 鈥� I know we will attract top-tier talent to the position."

The move to Morgantown marks a significant step for Benson. West Virginia has an enrollment of about 25,000 students, compared to聽CCU's total enrollment, which reached a record 11,348 in the fall semester 2024.

WVU has been a highly respected university for decades. Founded in 1867, WVU now has over 350 degree programs, including law, pharmacy and dental programs. West Virginia has a successful athletics program. The Mountaineers compete in the NCAA鈥檚 Division I (Big 12 Conference) and have had national success in sports like football and basketball.

At CCU, Benson has made strides to build athletic exposure and support, and has been instrumental in the university's overall growth. During his tenure, he helped secure the largest donation in school history, a $10 million gift from Conway Medical Center. He also led groundbreaking ceremonies for the Thompson Library 鈥� a 64,000-square-foot facility 鈥� and the school's new indoor practice facility.

He also established the President's Council for Sustainability and Coastal Resilience, which aims to help CCU become a more sustainable campus.

Benson was selected as CCU's president in 2020 after former president David DeCenzo retired.

Sports

'Couldn't be more excited' CCU's indoor practice facility set to be ready for use in spring 2025

• By Joe Wedra joe.wedra@myhorrynews.com

MyHorry黑料社入口 has reached out to Benson for comment.