It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of former Gov. Cecil Underwood. He was an alumnus of West Virginia University and dedicated his entire life to serving and improving West Virginia.

“He had the distinction of being the youngest and the oldest elected governor of West Virginia, and he also provided his talents and abilities as a leader in higher education (as president of Salem College and Bethany College) and in service to the coal and chemical industries. We thank him for his service to the state of West Virginia and will miss his leadership.

“I know his son, Craig, one of WVU s distinguished Rhodes Scholars, and I and all of West Virginia University extend our most heartfelt sympathies to Craig and the entire Underwood family.

C. Peter Magrath, interim WVU president