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West Virginia Wesleyan College

Buckhannon, WV

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1890
Founded
Private college
Type
909
Total Students
971
Undergrad
84
Graduate
$88M
Endowment
$33K
Tuition (In-State)
$33K
Tuition (Out-State)
$18K
Avg Net Price
95%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
6-year
68%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: James Moore

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About West Virginia Wesleyan College

West Virginia Wesleyan: A historic private college fostering community and academic growth since 1890.

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) stands as a proud private institution with a deep-rooted history, welcoming a vibrant community of 1055 students. Since its founding in 1890, WVWC has cultivated an intimate learning environment where personalized attention and a strong sense of belonging are central to the student experience. Currently led by President James Moore, the college continues its tradition of academic excellence within a supportive atmosphere.

Established by the West Virginia Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, WVWC began its journey in 1890 with a focus on college preparatory work. It steadily grew, and by 1900, the institution expanded its offerings to include college-level instruction. This pivotal shift culminated in the awarding of its first baccalaureate degrees in 1905, solidifying its commitment to comprehensive higher education.

The college's identity was further refined when its name transitioned from the brief 'Wesleyan University of West Virginia' to its enduring 'West Virginia Wesleyan College,' a tribute to the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. Demonstrating its evolving dedication solely to post-secondary education, the college wisely discontinued its pre-college instruction in 1923, recognizing the state's growing capacity for high school education and focusing its resources entirely on advanced academic pursuits. This rich history underscores WVWC's legacy as a forward-thinking institution committed to student success.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1890 by the West Virginia Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
  • A private college serving a close-knit community of 1055 students.
  • Offers comprehensive baccalaureate degrees, with the first class graduating in 1905.
  • Supported by an endowment of $0.1 billion, reinforcing its long-term stability and resources.
  • Led by President James Moore, guiding the college's ongoing mission and development.

Timeline

1890
Founded by the West Virginia Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
1890
Opened its doors in a new three-story brick building.
1900
College-level instruction first offered.
1905
Awarded its first baccalaureate degrees.
1900
Name changed from Wesleyan University of West Virginia to West Virginia Wesleyan College (early 1900s).
1923
Discontinued pre-college instruction.
🏛️
136 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

James Moore
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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