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In the first year, the group, comprised of individuals under the age of 45, has grown to 121 young alumni members hailing from 20 states, 49 cities and two countries.

“In the College of B&E, we understand that so many of our young alumni are succeeding in their careers and they value a sense of engagement,” said Bonnie Anderson, director of alumni relations and assistant director of development at WVU’s business school. “We wanted this Young Professional Network to be a channel for these young, accomplished alumni to give back to their alma mater, and also be a part of an exclusive network of successful B&E graduates.” 

Mark Gavin, who is not new to the College of Business and Economics in any way, took on the new role in the spring 2015 semester of associate dean for Graduate Programs and Research Impact, as well as being a professor of management. 

Gavin now oversees Graduate Programs entirely, which encompasses each master’s program as well as doctorate programs. Gavin also maintains responsibility for the research agenda for the college, facilitating faculty research while keeping focused on the teaching and program delivery that has been such an important part of B&E’s mission.

A degree – even working toward a degree – can drive a person’s career in unexpected directions. Tim Mason, a 2015 graduate of the College of Business and Economics online Executive MBA  program, learned just that as he forged his way from a foreman in the coalmines to director of operations of the northern region for Extreme Plastics Plus.