News Summary
Michael Benson is set to depart Coastal Carolina University to become the new president of West Virginia University, effective July 15, 2025. Benson has a strong track record in academic leadership and has led CCU to record-breaking enrollment numbers. As he transitions to WVU, Benson will take over from retiring president E. Gordon Gee, bringing significant experience and ambition to enhance the university’s academic and athletic programs.
Exciting Changes in West Virginia: Michael Benson is Heading to WVU!
In an exciting turn of events for both Coastal Carolina University (CCU) and West Virginia University (WVU), Michael Benson has announced he will be leaving his current role as president of CCU to take on a new adventure as the president of WVU. This change is set to take effect on July 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Benson’s academic career.
A Bit of Background on Benson
Michael Benson took the reins at CCU back in October 2020. Over the past nearly five years, he has worked tirelessly to enhance the university’s reputation and foster growth. His leadership brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served at institutions like Eastern Kentucky University and Southern Utah University.
What’s on the Horizon for Benson at WVU?
Stepping into his new role, Benson will be taking over from the long-serving president E. Gordon Gee, who is retiring. WVU is well-known for its strong academic and athletic programs and is a member of the Big 12 athletic conference. The university is a Research 1 institution, which had an impressive $275 million in research and development expenditures last year alone!
In this new position, Benson can expect a significant pay bump, with a base salary of $850,000 annually, which is a stark contrast to his previous salary at CCU of $450,000. His contract at WVU will run until June 30, 2030, and includes performance-based raises which means there’s certainly room for growth as he leads the university into the future.
Finding the Right Fit
As Benson prepares for this exciting job change, it’s clear his decision to leave CCU wasn’t made lightly. He expressed immense gratitude for the time spent in Horry County, where he and his family have built a strong community presence. All three of Benson’s children attend Myrtle Beach High School, where they’ve formed deep friendships, making the transition a bittersweet one for the whole family.
What Benson Leaves Behind at CCU
During his tenure at CCU, he helped the institution reach record-breaking enrollment numbers, with 11,000 students—the highest it’s ever seen. His accomplishments in fundraising and student enrollment growth made him an ideal candidate for the WVU presidency. The selection process for his replacement is already underway as CCU looks to build on the solid foundation Benson has laid.
Looking Toward the Future
The decision to bring Benson on board at WVU was influenced by his proven track record and experience that spans across numerous academic leadership roles. He has a rich academic background with degrees from prestigious institutions including Brigham Young University, University of Oxford, University of Notre Dame, and Johns Hopkins University.
Benson isn’t just an academic leader—he’s also an accomplished athlete. He’s previously competed in varsity basketball and has a history of running marathons, including a notable run at the Boston Marathon.
What’s Next?
As West Virginia University prepares to welcome Michael Benson, he will also receive benefits such as two vehicles for official duties and up to $100,000 to cover moving and relocation expenses. This strategic move promises not only to elevate the profile of WVU but also enrich Benson’s already impressive career.
Indeed, this marks a thrilling new chapter for Michael Benson, his family, and both universities involved as they await what exciting developments lie ahead!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Michael Benson
- Forbes
- Google Search: Michael Benson West Virginia University
- WV News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: West Virginia University
- Weirton Daily Times
- Google News: WVU president Michael Benson
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
