At a pivotal moment in West Virginia’s economic and educational development, two visionary leaders are stepping into key roles at the state’s most influential institutions. Incoming WVU President Michael Benson and Marshall Health Network President and CEO Scott Raynes represent a new era of possibility in the Mountain State.
Both Benson and Raynes share a belief in West Virginia’s capacity to lead, not follow. Their focus on regional partnerships and institutional excellence is vital in advancing not only their respective missions but also the state’s broader economic ecosystem.
As West Virginia’s business community looks to the future, Benson and Raynes offer a compelling message: Sustainable growth begins with leadership that invests wisely and acts boldly.
MICHAEL BENSON
With a career shaped by both scholarship and service, Michael Benson steps into the West Virginia University presidency with a commitment to lead the state’s flagship land-grant institution into the future. The former president of Coastal Carolina University, Benson assumed his new role at WVU in July.
Benson brings over three decades of experience in higher education leadership, including past presidencies at Eastern Kentucky University, Southern Utah University and Snow College. At EKU, he directed nearly $300 million in campus enhancements, while his tenure at SUU saw a record-setting $105 million fundraising campaign. At Coastal Carolina, Benson secured a $10 million gift, the largest in the school’s history.
“I’m looking forward to bringing that same approach to West Virginia as I meet with people from across the WVU System, people from city hall to the State Capitol, West Virginians from communities across the state and our incredible network of alumni around the world,” Benson said.
Former WVU board chair Rick Pill cited Benson’s track record of enrollment growth and philanthropic success as key reasons for his selection.
“We look forward to Dr. Benson’s leadership in continuing to guide us on this upward trajectory,” Pill said.
An accomplished historian, Benson holds a doctorate in modern history from the University of Oxford, as well as graduate degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of three books, including a biography of Daniel Coit Gilman, the founding president of Johns Hopkins University.
“My 30-year career in public higher education has prepared me for this singular opportunity,” he said. “I am honored to be named president of West Virginia University.”
SCOTT RAYNES
In March 2025, Marshall Health Network welcomed Scott Raynes as its new president and CEO. After 35 years in health care leadership, the role marks both a personal and professional homecoming for the Oak Hill, West Virginia, native.
“Returning to West Virginia to help lead and contribute to Marshall Health Network is both humbling and exciting,” Raynes said. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to return home.”
Most recently, Raynes served as president and CEO of Southeast Georgia Health System, where he oversaw a robust network that included a teaching hospital, children’s and community hospitals, long-term care facilities and a multi-specialty physician group. His extensive experience also includes executive roles in Tennessee and Florida, along with earlier leadership in West Virginia.
“Scott has the vision, expertise and compassion to lead Marshall Health Network into the future,” David Fox, Marshall Health Network board chair, said. “His deep commitment to the people of our state and his passion for improving health care make him the ideal leader for Marshall Health Network’s important next chapter.”
Raynes will work in close partnership with Marshall University President Brad Smith to further their shared vision for the institution, which Raynes described as a driving force in regional progress.
“Marshall Health Network is proud to join President Smith and Marshall University in reaching new heights of success,” he said. “I’m excited to contribute to that bright future.”
Raynes holds degrees from West Virginia Institute of Technology (now WVU Tech), West Virginia University and Morehead State University. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a past president of the Tennessee Hospital Association.
Katherine Pyles is a freelance writer living in Huntington, West Virginia.