Baker and Benson share vision for WVU on 3 Guys Before the Game podcast

West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker and new university president Michael Benson sat down together on the 3 Guys Before the Game podcast, offering fans a first look at how the two plan to work side by side in leading the university.

Both stressed the value of alignment between academics and athletics, describing how the two are connected in raising WVU’s profile nationally. Baker stressed the role athletics plays in connecting alumni and energizing the fan base. Benson agreed, adding that athletics is one of the most visible ways people across the country identify with West Virginia University.

“We both believe athletics is the front porch of the university,” Baker said. “It’s how people connect with WVU across the country.”

The conversation also touched on the changing landscape of college sports. From NIL to the transfer portal to conference shifts, Baker acknowledged the challenges but said WVU is focused on staying competitive by investing in student-athletes and providing resources to succeed on and off the field.

Benson, still early in his tenure as WVU’s president, spoke about the pride he’s already seen in the Mountaineer community and how he wants to build on that momentum. Benson’s excitement for the job, paired with Baker’s steady hand, showed that WVU’s top leaders are on the same page and ready to move the university forward together.

Their joint appearance carried a simple but clear message for Mountaineer fans, the university is moving forward with a shared vision at the very top.

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