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MORGANTOWN - Since coming to West Virginia University (WVU) 30 years ago, Dr. Tom Witt has played an instrumental role in the struggle for economic development in the state.
Witt has served as director of the WVU Bureau of Business and Economic Research since 1985.
He has served as associate dean for research and outreach for the College of Business and Economics since 1995.
Despite what friends and colleagues say has been a crucial role in the effort to diversify the state's economy, Witt downplayed his contribution.
"Hopefully, we have been able to better inform people about what is going on in the economy, the challenges we face in the economy and the opportunities that might exist," Witt said.
A native of Texas, Witt grew up in the oilfields of Oklahoma - the home of Phillips Petroleum.
"I got to know the oil industry very well," Witt said.
Witt got his bachelor's degree in economics from Oklahoma State University in 1962.
Shortly afterward, he left the state, heading for St. Louis where he earned his master's degree and doctorate from Washington University.
In 1970, Witt made a decision that has played a pivotal role in his life. He took a job at West Virginia University.
"When I went out into the job market in 1970, I looked around at the job opportunities that were available with different colleges and universities, with a...