Coastal Carolina University President Michael Benson Offered Presidency at West Virginia University
Coastal Carolina University President Michael Benson has been offered the position of president at West Virginia University (WVU), with the task of reversing a decade-long decline in enrollment at the institution. Coastal Carolina announced this development in a message to its campus community on Friday, a day after WVU revealed that its Board of Governors had approved its next president but would not disclose the name until a contract was signed. While officials at both universities have not confirmed whether Benson has accepted the offer, Coastal Carolina’s board has already begun the process of searching for his replacement. H. Delan Stevens, Coastal Carolina’s board chairman, expressed optimism about the future, stating that Benson’s work, along with that of the board and university faculty and staff, has positioned the institution for significant opportunities ahead.
Leadership Journey and Background of Michael Benson
Michael Benson, set to turn 60, has been the president of Coastal Carolina University for the past four years. Prior to this role, he served as president at Eastern Kentucky University, Southern Utah University, and Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. Remarkably, Benson became the youngest college president in the history of the Utah System of Higher Education at just 36. In addition to his administrative roles, Benson is a history professor and has taught at each institution where he has served as president. His educational background includes degrees from Brigham Young University, Notre Dame, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Oxford, where he played varsity basketball alongside current U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey.
A Legacy of Fundraising and Civic Engagement
Benson is widely recognized for his fundraising prowess and commitment to civic engagement. During his tenure at Snow College, he secured more funding in five years than the institution had in its previous 115 years, according to the Deseret News. This achievement included making Snow College the first junior college athletic program in the country to be sponsored by Nike. At Coastal Carolina, Benson facilitated the university’s largest-ever gift of $10 million from Conway Medical Center in 2022. His dedication to civic engagement is evident through his service on various committees and boards, including the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Benson’s leadership style is also marked by a personal touch, such as the time he shoveled a student’s driveway after a snowstorm at Eastern Kentucky University, demonstrating his commitment to student welfare.
Coastal Carolina’s Growth Under Benson’s Leadership
Under Benson’s leadership, Coastal Carolina University has experienced significant growth, with enrollment reaching 11,000 last fall for the first time in school history. His tenure has been marked by strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the university’s academic and extracurricular programs. Benson’s emphasis on innovation and community engagement has helped position Coastal Carolina as a rising institution in higher education. The university’s board has expressed confidence in the foundation laid by Benson, which they believe will continue to drive future success.
West Virginia University Faces Challenges Amid Leadership Transition
Benson is set to replace E. Gordon Gee, WVU’s longest-serving president, who announced his retirement in August 2023 amid a budget crisis. Gee, who is 81 and in his second stint at WVU, will step down when his contract expires in June 2025. WVU has faced significant challenges, including a $45 million budget shortfall addressed through tuition hikes, program cuts, and faculty reductions. These cuts were criticized as “draconian and catastrophic” by the American Federation of Teachers. The university also grapples with declining enrollment, which has fallen by 17.5% since 2015, and revenue losses from the pandemic and increasing debt from building projects. Despite these challenges, WVU reported a more stable financial position last summer after additional program cuts at its satellite campuses in Beckley and Keyser.
A New Chapter for West Virginia University and Coastal Carolina
As Benson considers the offer to lead WVU, both universities are at pivotal moments in their histories. Coastal Carolina, having experienced growth under Benson’s leadership, now looks to the future with a new president. Benson, if he accepts the offer, will face the daunting task of reversing enrollment declines and stabilizing WVU’s finances. His proven track record of fundraising, leadership, and community engagement makes him a strong candidate to address these challenges. Meanwhile, Coastal Carolina’s board has already begun the search for Benson’s successor, signaling a smooth transition and confidence in the university’s continued success. Benson’s potential move to WVU highlights the broader dynamics of leadership in higher education, where institutions often look to experienced leaders to navigate complex challenges and drive innovation.
