E. Gordon Gee

WHEELING — West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee sent a letter to the university’s community Monday addressing concerns that he has joined the advisory board of an as-yet-unaccredited new university based in Austin, Texas.

Founders announced that the University of Austin will be created, plan to begin graduate programs in 2022 and establish an undergraduate college in 2024. The university was birthed, according to inaugural president Pano Kanelos, by those concerned about the state of higher education. Among the concerns, he said, “is that many universities no longer have an incentive to create an environment where intellectual dissent is protected and fashionable opinions are scrutinized.” The university, according to its website, is “dedicated to the fearless pursuit of truth.”

Along with Gee, the 31-member advisory board includes former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss, Sohrab Ahmari, op-ed editor for the New York Post, and Stacy Hock, a philanthropist and investor who served as Texas GOP 2020 Victory chairwoman.

Gee opened the letter stating his devotion to WVU.

“First and foremost, let me state unequivocally that I am fully committed to West Virginia University,” he wrote. “Our mission as a land-grant, flagship institution that serves our state and its people is — and will always be — my only priority. I am devoted to this University and to all of you who share in its past, present and future. I have no intentions of placing my energies elsewhere.”

Gee added he has “never been shy” in sharing his thoughts about improving higher education, to improve quality while reducing costs and keep campuses as places of free expression and dialogue.

He also said that while he is a member of the board, he doesn’t believe or agree with everything other board members may share.

“I do not agree other universities are no longer seeking the truth nor do I feel that higher education is irreparably broken,” Gee wrote. “I do not believe that to be the case at West Virginia University.

“However, having devoted my life to higher education and served as a witness to an ever-changing landscape over time, I do agree that change needs to happen in terms of how higher education is perceived and supported,” he added. “I am keenly aware that change cannot happen in a vacuum. It needs the breadth of ideas and the depths of challenging concepts to truly emerge stronger. Without these difficult conversations, nothing will advance.”

Gee acknowledged that some are “disappointed” in him taking the advisory position, but that he did so to improve the future of higher education.

“Though not all may agree with my decision to advise this new entity, I am hopeful we can agree that discussing higher education and its needs with a variety of constituents is beneficial,” he wrote.