Braxton Citizens' News, Community

WVU President tours County

West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee visited Braxton County last Thursday. The stop was part of President Gee’s annual “County Tour” of West Virginia communities that he implemented when he came back to WVU for this second term. What began as a summer tour is now a year-round event. The goal is to see WVU and its land-grant mission in action in the state. 

“The County Tours are about meeting people where they are and learning about how we contribute but also what are the needs that we can help with? Always, I walk away very impressed by the creativity, hope, pride and resilience of the people of our state,” explained the President

Gee’s guide while visiting Braxton County was former House of Delegates member Brent Boggs. The tour began with a visit to Braxton County High School. Boggs and President Gee were joined by former Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenna Seal and Mrs. Carolyn Long. Long was also a longtime member and former president of the WVU Board of Directors.

President Gee was very impressed with the positive culture there.  “Principal Lori Stover-Williams emphasizes love, kindness and achievement and the students respond in kind. We hope to work closely with them to connect their students to one of our campuses.”

The second local stop was Braxton County Memorial Hospital – one of 25 hospitals now part of the WVU Medicine system. Current House of Delegates member Lori Dittman joined the group at BCHS

 President Gee met with patients and talked with staff and administrators there. He heard how much people in the community appreciate having WVU’s excellent health care so close to home. “Each time I visit one of our medical facilities, I learn so much about the importance of access in our state’s rural and urban communities and I am proud of the system we have built,” said Gee.

President Gee also toured the Mountaineer Food Bank facility and learned of some of its plans for expansion. The Food Bank is run by a WVU graduate who oversees more than 70 employees, and a host of volunteers who distribute thousands of pounds of food each day.

He made a side trip to see the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum in Sutton and was impressed with the way the community has rallied around this very successful tourism initiative and attraction.

 The day ended with one of President Gee’s favorite stops – at the Custard Stand.

See additional photographic coverage of President Gorden Gee’s visit on Page 9 of this issue.