In a different version of his annual “State of the University” address, West Virginia University President Gordon Gee said it’s important to focus on the future because nothing will ever be the same because of the pandemic.
“We have to move forward together,” said Gee during his 45-minute virtual presentation that included questions from viewers who asked about COVID-19’s impact on the university.
“I believe that when our world emerges from its current state of crisis, colleges and universities will fall into three groups,” he said. “Those that have collapsed or have been restructured due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its related financial shocks. Those that try to revert to their old normal, even in a landscape that is permanently altered. And those that will thrive by setting sail for the uncharted blue ocean, where unserved needs can be met and untried innovations nurtured.”
“It should not surprise you that I envision West Virginia University in the third group.”
Gee said he is pleased with the university’s testing and continuous monitoring of the ongoing pandemic. And he said last month’s temporary two-week move to online learning reduced the number of COVID-19 cases on campus.
“I commend each of you for taking the health and safety precautions seriously,” he said. “These measures, in addition to robust testing, have allowed us to continue with the fall semester.”
Separately, Gee said the $25 million donation – announced last week by the university – by Intuit Chairman Brad Smith and is wife, Alys, to bolster West Virginia’s economy by providing the initial funding for a remote worker program, is another example of entrepreneurial thinking taking place at the university.
He also dismissed critics of the Virgin Hyperloop project, also announced last week.
“Beyond COVID, our long-time standing as a research leader in engineering and technology helped us create another transformative success: The Research and Certification Center for the Virgin Hyperloop. This project creates an opportunity for West Virginia University to lead a consortium of higher education institutions focusing on the future of transportation.
“It will take time, energy and money.”
Gee said the university will also be investing in ways to address racism and inequality on its campuses.
“We have responsibility to ensure our campus community reflects the best of us.”
During the summer, Gee said “action-oriented” working groups – comprised of students, faculty and staff – were formed to address these issues when it comes to academics, the campus environment, development of Black leaders, campus and community partnerships, and university policing.
In July, Gee said, Dr. Patrice Harris – a three time WVU graduate – joined the WVU Board of Governors. Harris recently completed her term as the first African-American woman president of the American Medical Association.
“I acknowledge there is much work to be done, but let us move forward in hope that the actions we have taken and those that we will take will bring us closer to becoming a more inclusive campus community.”
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