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Ben Statler Named to West Virginia Business Hall of Fame

Jo (left) and Ben Statler at the induction ceremony for the Business Hall of Fame.

West Virginia University inducted alumnus Ben Statler into the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame on November 12, 2008.

WVU's College of Business and Economics established the Hall of Fame in 2001 to recognize extraordinary business leaders and to create a lasting record of their achievement.

Those inducted into the Hall of Fame must have a record of distinction in their field and industry in national/international businesses, state-based enterprises or entrepreneurial and family businesses. They must also have connections to West Virginia, either by birth, residence, education, or business presence.

The 2008 inductees were WVU President Emeritus David C. Hardesty Jr., John Deere equipment supplier John D. Leslie, and Statler.

"The Hall of Fame selection committee has chosen three inductees who exemplify business leadership in our state," said William Trumbull, interim Milan Puskar Dean of the WVU College of Business and Economics.

"There is no doubt that Ben Statler is a self-made leader whose life and career will serve as an example to students and business practitioners alike," said Gene Cilento, the Glen H. Hiner Dean of the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, who nominated Statler for the award. "His business acumen can be seen clearly in the tremendous success he has achieved, and he is a person who understands the concept of giving back, a loyal Mountaineer who wants to make a difference."

Statler was born and raised in Monongalia County. The third-generation coal miner worked the night shift at Pursglove mine while attending WVU, where he earned his bachelor's degree in mining engineering in 1973.

Ben began his career with Consolidation Coal in 1969, starting out as a laborer and working his way up through the ranks. In 1994 he was named senior vice president of mining for the eastern region, and in 1996, he became the senior vice president of mining for CONSOL.

In 2003, Benjamin acquired the assets of U.S. Steel Mining and founded PinnOak Resources. He sold the company in July of 2007.

In October 2007, Statler and his wife, Jo, announced a $25 million commitment to WVU, the single largest gift to the University.

11/13/2008