When Matt Stanislav first arrived at West Virginia University, he had a different path in mind, but it wasn’t until he made the decision to transfer to the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources that he truly found his home.
In this new chapter, Stanislav discovered a path that resonated with his passions and talents, and it was here that his career began to take shape. Now, as this December 2024 graduate embarks on a successful professional journey, he reflects on how the Davis College gave him the foundation to thrive, and how WVU will always remain a place where he belongs.
Hailing from Maryland, Stanislav’s first introduction to WVU was when he visited for a football camp as a high schooler.
“I was hooked from my first visit,” he recalled. “I fell in love with the mountains, the people, everything about it—the whole atmosphere had me hooked.”
However, the Davis College was not where his journey at WVU began. Stanislav switched his major twice within his first semester, searching for the right fit. With a background in landscape and construction work but a desire to pursue a managerial business role, he was uncertain until he landed in the advising office of the Davis College, now known at the Success Center.
“I met with Barry Stephens, and he explained what the agribusiness major entailed. It seemed right up my alley. I can remember sitting in that appointment and hearing about the classes I would take as a sophomore and thinking, ‘I’m in the right spot,’” Stanislav said.
The third time proved to be the charm for Stanislav. He not only found that the Agribusiness Management and Applied Economics program interested him, but he also was able to connect with the close-knit community within the Davis College.
"In most of your classes, it's the same group of people. There were five of us who had every class together, and we still talk weekly. We're all across the country now, but we stay connected,” he explained. "At Davis, you may have one professor for half of your classes. They know you by name, and you know them by name. It’s really nice.”
Before even finishing his degree program, Stanislav had already completed a successful internship and accepted an assistant project manager role with a company in the agribusiness industry—all before graduation. He credits the Davis College for preparing him for these opportunities and for instilling in him the confidence to succeed.
“They taught me what I was worth, and how to communicate to employers all that I had already done and where I wanted to go in my career. My professors taught me to never sell myself short,” he said.
Greg Dahle , professor of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, spoke about the role of professors in helping students gain real-world experience.
“The faculty at Davis College take pride in connecting students with internships, as these opportunities provide real-life experiences that often lead to permanent job offers upon graduation. Additionally, students like Matt bring industry knowledge back to the classroom, enriching in-class discussions and enhancing learning for everyone with practical insights,” Dahle said.
Although Stanislav has moved away from Morgantown for work, his connection to his alma mater and the Davis College remains strong.
“I come to Morgantown to see friends and to go to basketball games. We’re already talking about football season tickets. I still reach out to my professors, and I know that I always could. WVU feels like it will always be a home to me,” Stanislav shared.
The Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources envisions a world sustainably fed, clothed and sheltered. To learn more about the Davis College, visit davis.wvu.edu. Keep up with the latest updates and news on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube by following @WVUDavis.
-WVU-
mrb/02/20/25
CONTACT: Madison Bowers
Communications Specialist
WVU Division for Land Grant Engagement
304-293-700; mrb0055@mail.wvu.edu