Introduction
West Virginia State University, also known as WVSU, is a public, historically black university located in Institute, West Virginia. Established in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, it has a rich history and is known for its outstanding academic programs, world-class faculty, and strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Over the years, the university has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions to society. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the fun facts about West Virginia State University.
Fun facts about West Virginia State University
History and Establishment
West Virginia State University was established in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute. It was created in response to the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which provided funding for land-grant institutions to offer agricultural and technical education to African Americans. At the time of its establishment, the university was the only public institution of higher education for African Americans in West Virginia.
The university’s first president was Dr. John W. Davis, a prominent African American educator and civil rights activist. Under his leadership, the institution grew rapidly and became a center of academic excellence for African Americans in the state. In 1915, the institution was renamed West Virginia Collegiate Institute and in 1929, it was renamed again as West Virginia State College. Finally, in 2004, the institution was granted university status and became known as West Virginia State University.
Campus and Facilities
The West Virginia State University campus is situated on a 384-acre tract of land in Institute, West Virginia. The campus features a blend of historic and modern buildings, including several buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the most notable buildings on campus is the Davis Fine Arts Building, which houses the university’s art department and galleries.
The university also boasts of modern facilities such as the Wilson Student Union, which serves as the hub of student life on campus. The union features a game room, a movie theater, a computer lab, and several dining options. In addition, the university has a state-of-the-art Wellness Center, which includes a gymnasium, an indoor track, and several fitness studios.
Academic Programs
West Virginia State University offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields of study. The university is divided into five colleges, including the College of Business and Social Sciences, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the College of Professional Studies, the College of Education and Human Development, and the College of Arts and Humanities.
The university’s most popular majors include Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Biology, Education, and Nursing. In addition, the university also offers several unique programs such as Sustainable Agriculture, Cybersecurity, and Jazz Studies.
Athletics
West Virginia State University is home to several athletic teams that compete in the NCAA Division II. The university’s athletic teams are known as the Yellow Jackets and compete in several sports such as basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, and track and field.
The university has a rich athletic history and has produced several notable athletes, including NFL player Antoine Bethea and Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay. In addition, the university also has a strong marching band program, which has performed at several notable events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Presidential Inauguration.
Notable Alumni
Over the years, West Virginia State University has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions to society. Some of the most notable alumni include NASA astronaut Jon McBride, who piloted the Challenger space shuttle; civil rights activist J.R. Clifford, who was the first African American admitted to the West Virginia bar; and NFL player Antoine Bethea, who won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts.
In addition, the university has also produced several successful entrepreneurs, educators, other notable alumni include Dr. Ruth E. Washington, who was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry from West Virginia University; Marjorie Lee Browne, who was one of the first African American women to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics and was a pioneer in the field of abstract algebra; and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, who is a renowned author, scholar, and social commentator.
Conclusion
In conclusion, West Virginia State University is a historic and prestigious institution that has played a significant role in the education of African Americans in West Virginia. From its humble beginnings as the West Virginia Colored Institute to its current status as a leading public university, WVSU has continued to uphold its commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion. The university’s rich history, beautiful campus, outstanding academic programs, and notable alumni make it a true gem of higher education in the United States.