MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Bob Murray, owner of a Utah mine that collapsed in 2007 at a cost of nine lives, is giving West Virginia University $1 million for research into mining methods and use of fossil fuels.
The school announced the gift Friday.
Murray is president of Ohio-based Murray Energy Corp., the nation’s largest privately owned coal company, and a graduate of Ohio State. He sent three sons to WVU to earn degrees in mining engineering and geology and is considered a longtime friend and supporter.
Gene Cilento, dean of the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, said the gift from Murray and wife Brenda will let students and faculty conduct “the kind of groundbreaking research our nation needs to maximize our energy resources.” In exchange for the donation, WVU will create the Robert E. Murray Chairmanship in Mining Engineering. When the gift is combined with a state match through the Research Trust Fund, the total endowment is $2 million.
