West Virginia University Board of Governors approved a resolution on Monday to increase funding for the Mountaineers athletic department.

The intention is to develop “a financial plan that positions the University in the top funding tier among Big 12 institutions, while simultaneously strengthening the University’s paramount core academic mission,” according to press release.

Board of Governors chair Robert “Rusty” Hutson Jr. said in a statement, “A strong and visible Athletics program is essential to advancing student enrollment, enriching the student experience, strengthening alumni and donor engagement, supporting recruitment of talented faculty and staff and providing a source of pride and connection for Mountaineer fans in West Virginia and around the world.”

Athletic director Wren Baker added in a statement, “WVU Athletics is at a pivotal moment as we enter a new era of college sports, and with the steadfast support of our Board of Governors through this resolution, we will be positioned to meet that moment from a place of strength.”

On Friday, Governor Patrick Morrisey met with the Board of Governors to discuss having his administration work partner with the school.

“I think it’s always important to align interests,” the governor said, according to WBOY.com. “When you’re talking about the state of West Virginia and its goals, you want the flagship to really be aligned in terms of the future.

“We have such an amazing potential to be this big job creator. West Virginia can rise on our energy resources and on all its amazing strengths, and when WVU succeeds, the state succeeds. When Marshall succeeds, the state succeeds. That’s what we’re working on doing.”

–Field Level Media