West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
Quick Facts
“Πίστει τὴν ἀρετήν, ἐν δὲ τῇ ἀρετῇ τὴν γνῶσιν (Koine Greek)”("Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge" (2 Peter 1:5 KJV))
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About West Virginia University
West Virginia University: Pioneering research and Mountaineer spirit since 1867.
West Virginia University (WVU) stands as a dynamic public land-grant research institution, with its main campus nestled in Morgantown. Founded in 1867, WVU has grown into a comprehensive university known for its spirited Mountaineer community and extensive reach throughout the state, including satellite campuses and an Extension Service with offices in all 55 counties. It offers a vibrant academic and student life experience rooted in a rich history of innovation and community engagement.
WVU's history began under the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act, initially as the Agricultural College of West Virginia. Renamed West Virginia University in 1868, it quickly broadened its educational scope, building upon the foundations of earlier academies. The university overcame significant challenges through two World Wars and the Great Depression, steadily expanding its academic offerings and campus infrastructure. Early milestones included allowing women to enroll in 1889 and establishing the state's first professional schools, laying the groundwork for its current comprehensive profile.
Academically, WVU is a powerhouse, offering over 350 bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degree programs across 13 colleges and schools. It proudly hosts West Virginia's only law and dental schools, cementing its role as a leader in professional education. The university fosters an environment of excellence, evidenced by its faculty and alumni who include numerous Truman, Goldwater, Gilman, Fulbright, Boren, and Rhodes Scholars, alongside National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships.
Student life at WVU is vibrant and engaging, with a long tradition of extracurricular activities, including the founding of The Daily Athenaeum in 1887 and the West Virginia Law Review in 1894. The university's athletic programs, featuring the beloved Mountaineers, have achieved significant national recognition, including multiple BCS bowl appearances and conference championships in football and basketball. WVU also actively promotes a safe and enriching student experience through popular initiatives like FallFest and WVU "Up All Night," ensuring a dynamic campus environment for all.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1867 as a public land-grant research university.
- ✦Serves 25,998 students across its main and satellite campuses.
- ✦Offers over 350 bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
- ✦Home to West Virginia's only law school and dental school.
- ✦Alumni include 25 Rhodes Scholars, 82 Fulbright Scholars, and 53 Goldwater Scholars.
- ✦Athletic teams boast a 3-0 BCS bowl record, 6 conference championships, and a men's basketball NIT Championship.
- ✦Operates Ruby Memorial Hospital, providing the state's first level-one trauma center.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within West Virginia University
College of Law
The first professional school in the state of West Virginia, founded in 1878.
Dental School
The state's only dental school, offering professional degree programs.
Medical School
Includes clinical campuses at the Charleston Area Medical Center and Eastern Campus in Martinsburg.
Business School
A college offering various business-related degree programs, mentioned in the context of an MBA controversy.
Davis College of Agriculture
Manages the West Virginia University Experiment Station and Reymann Memorial Farm.
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