Elkins Welcomes New WVU President, Celebrates Two Years of Ascend WV Success
Today, City employees joined local organizations—including the Augusta Heritage Center, Elkins Area Shared Trails, 4-H, the Randolph County Development Authority, and the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber—in welcoming WVU’s new president, Dr. Michael T. Benson, during his 18-county tour of West Virginia. Dr. Benson says he plans to visit every county in the state over the coming months.
During the meet-and-greet, the City presented a proclamation to WVU, the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), and Ascend WV, thanking them for selecting Elkins as one of the five Ascend WV communities. This month marks two years since Ascend Greater Elkins began attracting remote professionals to the area.
According to Ascend WV, this is a snapshot of what has occurred since Elkins opened its doors to Ascend WV:
- The program has received more than 10,700 applications from prospective residents
- Welcomed 57 Ascend Members (and their families), totaling 112 new residents in Elkins
- Witnessed relocations from 23 states, including California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Texas
- Welcomed back the 11% of members who were born in West Virginia; 89% are experiencing the Mountain State for the first time
- 16% are small business owners or self-employed, thereby doing their part to boost the local economy and tax base
- 30% have purchased homes
- Ascend members have attended almost 300 local events organized by Ascend or in partnership with various community groups
- A 98% retention rate
- Two newborns (plus one born just before relocation!)
Learn about Ascend WV here: https://ascendwv.com/
City Hall News: Week of February 15, 2026
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Elkins, WV, January 27, 2026 — The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health held its first meeting of the year on January 22, 2026. It highlighted urgent winter shelter operations, upcoming community events, and new initiatives aimed at helping […]
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