West Virginia native and former Intuit CEO Brad Smith and his wife, Alys, have given West Virginia University $25 million – one of the largest in the university’s history – to fund new programs to help the state develop world-class recreational infrastructure and expand outdoor educational opportunities and bolster the workforce.
“We come from Appalachia and our hearts never left,” said Smith after the university announced the gift through a virtual event hosted by President Gordon Gee on Monday. “We wanted to pay it forward.”
The newly named Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative will provide initial funding for a remote worker program, an initiative designed to help individuals and young families prosper amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I truly appreciate the faith that Brad and Alys have placed in West Virginia University,” Gee said. “This exceptional investment represents a shared commitment to reshaping our state’s future, an undertaking only achievable through their generosity, trust and vision.”
The program, which gets under way in January, is designed to support remote workers who move to West Virginia who want to pursue an outdoor-driven lifestyle.
While details of the program are still being developed, it will target fully employed individuals who live outside the state and can work anywhere and want to be part of a contemporary, experience-driven lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts or young families who can help create a more diverse, inclusive and purposeful community will be given preference in a competitive application process, the university said.
The program will include financial incentives, free co-worker space, free and subsidized outdoor trips and activities, professional development, as well as networking events.
Gov. Jim Justice expressed his appreciation for the Smith’s donation and the efforts of WVU.
“I’d like to personally thank Brad and Alys for their generous donation and continued commitment to the state of West Virginia,” Gov. Jim Justice said in a statement. “I couldn’t be more proud of the work of West Virginia University. They’re doing great stuff, and I look forward to working with them to develop a remote worker program that puts West Virginia on the map as a place to live and work and showcases the best of Almost Heaven.”
The Smiths’ gift is being made through the WVU Foundation.
“Private support is critical to WVU’s growth and success, and this initiative is a prime example,” said Cindi Roth, president and CEO of the WVU Foundation. “We are so grateful to Brad and Alys for their vision and leadership. They immediately wanted to be involved with this project, and they inspired us to dream bigger. Their encouragement is leading to the development of a remarkable program with the potential to change lives.”
Brad Smith led Silicon Valley software giant Intuit for 11 years as president and CEO and now serves as executive board chairman. He and Alys, an attorney, live in California. They have two daughters, Payton and Devon.
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