WVU President Benson, staff and local dignitaries at the Sistersville Ferry.

Michael T. Benson, the newly appointed president of West Virginia University, visited Sistersville last week as part of a 13-county tour aimed at familiarizing himself with communities across the state. Mr. Benson comes to West Virginia from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina.

Benson, his wife Debbie, and their three children,Truman, Tatum, and Talmage are preparing to relocate to Morgantown. Benson’s two older children, Emma and Samuel, are also eager to visit and experience the gold and blue spirit.

The tour includes stops at historic and cultural sites, WVU Medicine Hospitals, business and industry hubs, and land-grant activities. The counties on Benson’s itinerary include Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Tyler, Pleasants, Wood, Jackson, Kanawha, Clay, Braxton, Lewis, Harrison, Taylor, Barbour, Randolph, and Upshur.

During his time in Sistersville, Benson toured local landmarks including the Gaslight Theater, the Fort Restaurant, the City Building, the Ferry, and Sistersville City Park. He and his staff expressed admiration for the charm and hospitality of the small town.