WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 29, 2016 — West Liberty University students will hear from one of the largest independent operators of coal mines as the Gary E. West College of Business welcomes Robert E. Murray to the podium at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 5 for its annual Executive Seminar Speaker Series.
Murray’s presentation will address current business and marketing methods. It takes place in College Hall and is open to the public.
The founder, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Murray Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries, Murray is well known across the region. His companies produce about 65 million tons of bituminous coal annually and employ approximately 7,500 persons in six states, according to its website (murrayenergycorp.com).
Murray was formerly the president and chief executive officer of the North American Coal Corporation, serving North American for 31 years.
During his 58-year career in the mining industry, Murray has received numerous safety, educational, engineering, leadership, professional and philanthropic awards. He is a past president of the major worldwide mining, metallurgical and petroleum engineering institutes and societies and continues to serve on many national and state coal trade associations board of directors.
He is a national leader on matters affecting the coal and minerals industries, speaking before Congress and various regulatory and government agencies. He is an outspoken critic of the Obama administration and its affect on America’s power grid and the regional economies.
Murray holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Mining from Ohio State University and has completed advanced management programs at other institutions. He is a licensed professional engineer and a private pilot. He and his wife Brenda reside in Moreland Hills and St. Clairsville, Ohio and have three sons and eight grandchildren.
Associate Professor of Management Dave Wright coordinates the annual Executive Seminar Series, which has been ongoing since 1986. The series features successful business, political and alumni leaders, all sharing their personal stories and business advice with students.
“Our students appreciate the real life experiences that our guest speakers offer because they are so genuine and timely. We are grateful to Mr. Murray for taking time out of his busy schedule to share his thoughts, advice and background with our students,” Wright said.
The College of Business offers students undergraduate degrees in Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Business, Health Care Management, Management, Marketing, Sport Management and Tourism and Event Management. Most recently it added a graduate program, an online MBA to its degree offerings. For complete information, please call 304-336-8053 or visit westliberty.edu/westbusiness.