Elmo J. Hurst

After graduation from WVU in 1953 (BS in mining engineering) and three years in the Navy, Elmo J. Hurst began work as an assistant chief engineer and assistant to the vice president and general manager for Winding Gulf Coals, Inc. in West Virginia. He then became vice president and general manager of J. O. Lively Construction Co. and Lively Manufacturing and Equipment Co. When these companies were sold to Elgin National Industries, Inc. in 1969, he became president of both.

In 1972 he was named executive vice president and director of Elgin. Soon after retiring from Elgin in 1988, he purchased controlling interest in the Miller Bearing Company, Inc. and Almega/Tru Flex, Inc., and became chairman and CEO of both companies. He also is chairman and CEO of Mountain State Home Care, Inc. and Americare Management Services, Inc. In addition, he serves on the board of directors for several engineering, mining, and financial organizations.

The accomplishments of Hurst's professional activities are matched by his philanthropic efforts. He was instrumental in establishing the Beckley Area Foundation, he served as chair and member of the WVU Foundation Board of Directors for more than 20 years, and also served the university as a member of the College of Engineering Visiting Committee, the College of Mineral and Energy Resources Advisory Committee, vice chairman of the capital campaign, and a member of the Executive Council of the Alumni Association. The university named him WVU Mountaineer in 1980, and has inducted him into the Order of Vandalia, Woodward Circle, the Irving Stewart Society.

Hurst has generously given to West Virginia through such organizations as the West Virginia Housing Authority Board, Governor Arch Moore's Advisory Council for Technical Services, the YMCA, and the Women's Resource Center in Beckley. One measure of his important contributions to the Beckley community is the Spirit of Beckley Community Service Award he received in 1996.