West Virginia University will induct three business and industry leaders with state ties into the 2008 West Virginia Business Hall of Fame Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown.
This years inductees are WVU President Emeritus David C. Hardesty Jr., John Deere equipment supplier John D. Leslie and retired coal executive Benjamin M. 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 .They have each made significant contributions in their respective fields and are role models for our business community and students.
The ceremony begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the induction at 7:30.
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.
Inductee biographies:
David C. Hardesty Jr.
David C. Hardesty Jr. is president emeritus and professor of law at WVU , where he teaches subjects related to professional responsibility (legal ethics) and the role of legislatures and statutory law in the legal system.
Hardesty is author and co-author of numerous speeches and various articles on matters related to higher education and leadership. He and his wife, Susan, are co-authors ofLeading the Public University: Essays, Speeches and Commentary,published by the WVU Press in 2007.
He has degrees from WVU , Oxford University (which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar), and Harvard Law School. He also has attended advanced courses in higher education leadership and decision theory at Harvard University.
Hardesty was the 21st president of WVU from 1995-2007. While president, he led efforts to develop more than 25 student-centered programs, including the first faculty-led residential colleges in the Universitys history.
He also led efforts to enhance WVU s research programs, establish a forensic science degree, increase outreach and service activities, and create a new hospital system, which he chaired. WVU achieved a national reputation in the science of biometrics during his presidency, and the health system he chaired expanded to become the largest in West Virginia.
Also during his tenure, more than $750 million in capital projects were launched, including a new Student Recreation Center; Lincoln Hall (a residential college); a major addition to the library; a new science building; and many new laboratory, teaching and athletics facilities.
While president, Hardesty was a member of the National Security Higher Education Advisory Council, chairman of the National 4-H Council, director and officer in the Big East Conference, and a member of the Bowl Championship Series Presidential Oversight Committee. He was also a founding director of the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute.
Before becoming president of WVU , Hardesty practiced law and was state tax commissioner during U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefellers first term as West Virginia governor (1977-80).
He is a member of the Consol Energy Inc. board of directors and is Of Counsel to the law firm of Bowles Rice. He has served on and chaired the boards of numerous professional and civic organizations.
John D. Leslie
John D. Leslie began working for his father at the family business in Cowen when he was just a boy.
After attending Marshall University and graduating in 1974 with a bachelors degree in business management, he returned home and bought out his uncles half of Leslie Equipment Co., a John Deere construction equipment franchise. He ran the business with his father until 1985, when he purchased his fathers half of the company to become sole owner.
The business was small and mainly supplemented the familys local saw mill, but Leslie knew the company could be more and have a bigger impact on local industry. He expanded the business in Cowen and opened stores in Beaver and Norton. John Deere recognized Leslies achievements and abilities with numerous awards for outstanding sales.
Leslie then had the confidence to take a leap of faith and expand the company by purchasing the franchises of another dealer.
Now, Leslie Equipment employs more than 250 people at 10 locations throughout West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. Those involved in forestry and construction have come to know Leslie Equipment as the place they turn to for their equipment needs.
Leslie Equipment Co. has received numerous awards: John Deere Hall of Fame, Deere Credit Services Financing Excellence, John Deere Mark of Excellence, John Deere Performance Achievement Award, John Deere 50th AnniversaryNo. 1 Dealer in Market Share of G-Series Crawler Dozers, Sentry Insurance- 1st place in UltraGard Sales Performance/C&F Division, Rockland Manufacturing Co.Outstanding Dealer, ValueParts- Outstanding Sales Achievement, TalbertOutstanding Sales Achievement, GeithOutstanding Sales Achievement, and AlliedOutstanding Sales Achievement..
Leslie was chosen as one of West Virginia Whos Who in Business in 2007.
He lives in Cowen with his wife, Lynette. He has four daughters, seven grandsons and one granddaughter. He is known to give back to his community through schools and local organizations.
Benjamin M. Statler
Benjamin M. 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 bachelors degree in mining engineering in 1973.
Today he is a retired coal executive who lives in Naples, Fla., and McMurray, Pa.
Statler joined Consolidation Coal Co. in 1969 and held many positions throughout his career. He began as a laborer and advanced from section foreman to assistant superintendent, superintendent and technical assistant to vice president of Morgantown operations before becoming vice president of Moundsville and Ohio operations.
In 1994, he was named senior vice president of mining, eastern region. In 1996, he became senior vice president of mining for CONSOL , a position he held until his retirement in 1999.
In 2003, Benjamin M. Statler LLC and Questor Management Co. LLC acquired the assets of U.S. Steel Mining and founded PinnOak Resources LLC . Statler sold the company in July 2007.
Statlers professional activities include Society of Mining Engineers; past executive board member, Pittsburgh Section of Society of Mining Engineers; WVU Department of Mining Engineering Visiting Committee; West Virginia Coal Association board member; and Alabama Coal Association board member.
In October 2007, Statler and his wife, Jo, announced a $25 million commitment to WVU , the single largest gift to the University.
His other community activities include: board member of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, Ohio Valley Medical Center and Upper Ohio Valley United Way; Easter Seals VIP for six years; board of trustees, Christ United Methodist Church; and chairman of Southwest Pennsylvania Boy Scouts of America fund drive.
Statler and his wife have two children, Julie and Ben II, and three grandsons.
For more information about the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame, visit http://www.be.wvu.edu/ .