WVU Stories

07/09/2026

Every swing of the axe tells a story for Arden Cogar Jr., attorney and four-time U.S. STIHL Timbersports Series titleholder.

As a first-generation West Virginia University graduate, Cogar built a career in law while becoming one of the most accomplished competitors in the sport. To him, each axe handle carries the weight of family tradition and West Virginia heritage.

Read "The Law of the Saw" on WVU Stories and subscribe to continue discovering stories from the University community: https://go.wvu.edu/4gcmq

Thank you for following along with us. 💛💙

07/01/2026

"Just because you’ve been on academic probation... that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to get some help." 💛💙

When West Virginia University alum and former professor Antonia “Toni” Porterfield decided to create a scholarship for the WVU John Chambers College of Business & Economics, she had one non-negotiable rule: this one isn't for straight-A students.

She wanted to fund students who are working multiple jobs, those facing academic probation and those who have fought to regain good academic standing.

It took Toni 9 years and a lot of determination to get her degree before building a successful corporate career. Now, through the Porterfield Scholarship, she is rewarding students just like she once was.

Read more about the Porterfield Scholarship and words from the inaugural recipient now on WVU Stories
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https://go.wvu.edu/4gcke

06/30/2026

One step closer to a prosthetic that feels like the real thing. 🦿

At the West Virginia University Neuromechanics and Engineering Lab, researchers are using virtual reality, machine learning and wearable technology to help amputees walk more naturally and confidently.

Meet the team working to restore mobility and independence on WVU Stories. ➡️ https://go.wvu.edu/4gckf

06/29/2026

Army veteran and entrepreneur Jeremy Harris had built a successful IT company in Morgantown. However, he wanted to solve bigger problems.

That pursuit led him to the Business Data Analytics master's program at the WVU John Chambers College of Business & Economics, where he harnessed that curiosity to solve business challenges with machine learning, data and analytics.

Now, Harris is a senior data scientist at the NETL, using the same tools to tackle some of the nation's most pressing energy challenges.

"Start with a hobby, a social issue or any passion that interests you. Then ask yourself, 'What's the problem I can solve here?'"

Read his story on WVU Stories 👇
https://go.wvu.edu/4gckd

06/28/2026

You use it to write, open a door and scroll your phone. Most people never think twice about which hand they use. 👋

But handedness is one of the earliest examples of how our brain organizes itself, and researchers at WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences are studying the science behind what it can reveal about movement, cognition and neurological health.

Their work is helping advance our understanding of a trait shared by everyone but understood by few. Read more and check out a video now on WVU Stories!

https://go.wvu.edu/4gckg

06/25/2026

As the U.S. Men's National Team prepares for their World Cup match later today, we are shining a spotlight on the Mountaineer behind-the-scenes making it possible. 🇺🇸⚽
Meet John Terry, a two-time WVU College of Applied Human Sciences sport management graduate and the Vice President of Events at U.S. Soccer.

"In a perfect world, by the time the game rolls around, we're really bored because we've done everything in the preparation to get to where we need to be," Terry said.

His team manages the massive, complex logistics of a traveling national organization, overseeing stadium operations, ticketing, venue negotiations, fan experiences and the victory celebrations.

We’re incredibly proud to see a Mountaineer alum leading at the highest level of global sports. Read more about his journey now on WVU Stories

https://go.wvu.edu/4gckq

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

"Science is cool. It's this abstract thing you watch on TV..." 🌌✨

As a kid, West Virginia University researcher Chris Fowler grew up watching sci-fi and rocket launches on TV.

Today, the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences researcher is living out the childhood wonder as part of NASA's ESCAPADE mission to Mars. But while two spacecraft, concidentally named "Gold" and "Blue," race toward the Red Planet, Fowler is focused on another mission closer to home: helping West Virginia students discover that science isn't something that only happens somewhere else.

One mission is headed to Mars. The other is inspiring the next generation of explorers right here on Earth.

👉 Read Chris Fowler's full journey now on WVU Stories: https://go.wvu.edu/4gcj7

WVU Department of Physics and Astronomy

06/20/2026

“Everywhere we went, we saw a different kind of beauty. You can go from some of the highest points in the state to down in the hollers… The beauty is everywhere.”

West Virginia University President Michael Taft Benson has been busy!

When he assumed his role, he promised to visit all 55 counties in the Mountain State within his first year. He finished two months early. 💛 💙

On his "Welcome Home Tour," President Benson traveled thousands of miles, listening, learning and connecting with the students, educators, health workers and community leaders who define West Virginia.

Follow his journey and read the full Q&A reflecting on his tour now on WVU Stories: https://go.w

06/19/2026

Big challenges demand bold partnerships.

WVU and Johns Hopkins University have launched a new research partnership designed to foster collaboration, accelerate discovery, and create innovative solutions in health, science, and society.

Read more: https://go.wvu.edu/4gcim