MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University announced on Monday morning that Michael T. Benson, currently president of Coastal Carolina University, will be WVU’s next president, its 27th. His employment term will start July 15 and will run through June 30,

Coastal Carolina President Michael Benson will leave that position for the top job at West Virginia University in July. WVU announced Benson's hiring Feb. 24.

Coastal Carolina University President Michael Benson has been extended an offer to become West Virginia University’s next president, where he would be tasked with reversing decade-long declining enrollment at the state’s flagship university.

Coastal Carolina University's Michael Benson has been extended an offer to become president at West Virginia University.

Michael T. Benson, currently president of Coastal Carolina University, has been named the next president of West Virginia University, where he will succeed Gordon Gee.

West Virginia University, located just over an hour south of Pittsburgh in Morgantown, West Virginia, has named its next president.

West Virginia University opens the week by announcing the school’s 27th president. WVU has confirmed recent reports and named Michael Benson the next university president. Hoppy Kercheval was first with the news on Feb.