By Sadie Murphy

Before there was The Phoenix, Glenville was home to The Mercury. Remnants of the articles have aged like a fine wine in the serene shelves of the same library that students now visit- most unknowingly passing the pages of the past generations of Pioneers without a second glance.

In an interview with the new Board of Governor’s (BOG) Chair Mike Rust, he reflected on his childhood in West Virginia. Driving down the same winding curves as the rest of us, Rust remembers his Clay County roots. Back in 1969, he was in the same position many of our incoming freshman have been in the past couple months. Although he was accepted to several schools, he just kept coming back to Glenville, along with many of his friends. Rust was excited and wasted no time sharing that he was once a reporter for the college too, only he wrote for The Mercury. Online archives of The Mercury date back to 1929 and end in 2000. Perhaps you will accept the challenge of finding our new BOGs past articles at www.glenville.edu/news/gsc-yearbook-and-campus-newspaper-archives-now-online.            

Looking forward to a healthy semester amidst COVID concerns, Rust is focused on our mission. He has been excited about his appointment for multiple reasons. He is confident in newly appointed President Manchin and looks forward to the bright future of the college. He is glad to be back and be able to meet new people who share the same vision of our continued success. Rust acknowledges that he owes a lot to our college.

He sincerely offered these pieces of advice, saying that he tells every student he talks to about the CML philosophy that has blessed his life:

1. Really CARE about who you work with.
2. Be a MENTOR to everyone.
3. LISTEN to folks!     "           

Rust also shared a sentimental moment he had with his father. He remembers his father looking him straight in the eyes and talking to him. His father told him, “Mike, I wish for you to be a man of integrity. Be the chief, set the standard, and lead by example.” This moment has proved to be one of the most meaningful moments in his life.

Mike Rust is here to help; following those principles he talks to students about he continues to be the man his father wished him to be. He recognizes the extreme conditions we are facing but is optimistic of our future growth. We must all be ready to work through, what Rust calls, the “challenging opportunities” to come and do our best to full them in the upcoming semester and year.

From The Phoenix to an alumni reporter, welcome back Mike Rust. Once a Pioneer, always a Pioneer!