Concord University

{{Short description|Public university in Athens, West Virginia, US}}

{{About|the university in United States|the school in the United Kingdom|Concord College, UK|other uses|Concord (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox university

| name = Concord University

| image = Concord University Seal Burgundy.png

| image_size = 150px

| established = {{start date and age|February 28, 1872}}

| former_names = Concord State Normal School (1872–1931)
Concord State Teachers College (1932–1943)
Concord College (1943–2004)

| type = Public university

| president = Kendra Boggess{{cite news |url= http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/201305030031 |title=Boggess named interim Concord U. president |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Charleston Daily Mail |access-date=19 November 2013 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20131119213645/http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/201305030031 |archive-date=November 19, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last=Lilly |first=Jessica |title=Concord University Welcomes Dr. Kendra Boggess as President |url= http://wvpublic.org/post/concord-university-welcomes-dr-kendra-boggess-president#stream/0 |publisher=West Virginia Public Broadcasting |date=17 September 2014 |access-date=4 February 2018}}

| provost = Edward Huffstetler

| city = Athens

|state = West Virginia

| country = United States

| enrollment = 1,956(Fall 2024){{cite web |url= https://www.wvnstv.com/news/education/concord-university-announces-that-enrollment-continues-to-increase/#:~:text=The%20almost%202%2C000%20registered%20students,athletic%20programs%20at%20the%20university. |title= Concord University announces that enrollment continues to increase|publisher=WVNSTV |date=August 27, 2024 |access-date=May 29, 2025}}

| undergrad = 1,389{{cite web |url= https://www.concord.edu/about/institutional-data |title= Institutional Data 2021 |year=2021 |access-date= January 4, 2023 }}

| postgrad = 360

| campus = Distant town{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Concord&s=all&id=237330|title=IPEDS-Concord University}}

|campus_size = {{convert|123|acre|ha|adj=on}}

| sporting_affiliations = NCAA Division II – MEC

| nickname = Mountain Lions

|mascot = Roar

| colors = Maroon and gray
{{Color box|maroon}} {{Color box|gray}}

| academic_affiliations = WVHEPC

| endowment = $47.715 million (2022){{cite web |title=Concord University Foundation FY21-22 Annual Report |url= https://www.concord.edu/wp-content/uploads/About/Advancement-and-Alumni/2022-Annual-Report.pdf |website=concord.edu |date=2022 |access-date=18 October 2023}}

| website = {{URL|https://www.concord.edu|concord.edu}}

|free_label = Other campuses

|free = Beckley

|free_label2 = Newspaper

|free2 = The Concordian

|accreditation = HLC

| logo = Concord u logo wmark.png

| logo_size = 200

}}

Concord University is a public university in Athens, West Virginia.

The institution traces back to February 28, 1872, when the West Virginia Legislature passed "an Act to locate a Branch State Normal School, in the town of Concord Church, in the County of Mercer."{{cite web | url= https://archive.wvculture.org/history/education/concord02.html | title=Concord State Normal School }} The normal school was founded by veterans of both the Union and the Confederacy. It was aptly named "Concord" to embody the ideals of harmony and fellowship in the post-Civil War era.

Concord University is renowned for its picturesque campus, often dubbed "The Campus Beautiful."{{cite book|last1=Crandall |first1=William |last2=Parnell |first2=John A. |last3=Spillan |first3=John E. |title=Crisis Management in the New Strategy Landscape |year=2009 |publisher=Sage |isbn=9781412954136 |page=86 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=AEpIBsjfHXAC&pg=PA86 |access-date=4 February 2018}}{{cite book|last=Archer |first=William R. "Bill" |title=Mercer County |year=2001 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=9781439629024 |page=37 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ZEbV-1y2ifIC&pg=PT49 |access-date=4 February 2018}} It offers a distinctive learning environment on a scenic knoll overlooking the Appalachian mountains.{{cite book|last=Adkins |first=Leonard M. |title=Explorer's Guide West Virginia |edition=Second |year=2011 |publisher=The Countryman Press |isbn=9781581579260 |page=213 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=CSrL57xdieEC&pg=PA213 |access-date=4 February 2018}}

In addition to its main campus in Athens, Concord University also operates a teaching center and conducts classes in Beckley, West Virginia, extending its educational reach within the region.

History

Founded as a normal school dedicated to teacher preparation, its journey reflects the broader development of regional colleges in the United States, transitioning from a localized institute to a comprehensive university.{{cite web|url=http://library.concord.edu/html/concord_history.html |title=Concord University history |publisher=Concord University Library |access-date=26 December 2012 }}{{cite web |url= http://www.concord.edu/about-concord/history-goals |title=History & Goals |publisher=Concord University |access-date=26 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151005220202/http://www.concord.edu/about-concord/history-goals |archive-date=5 October 2015 }}{{cite web |last1=Elmore |first1=Garland C. |title=Concord University Early History |url= http://athensweknew.com/concord_university_early_history.html |website=athensweknew.com |date=2011 |access-date=21 February 2021}}

=Foundation=

The genesis of Concord University goes back to February 28, 1872, when the West Virginia State Legislature officially established a Branch State Normal School in the community then known as "Concord Church." The residents chose the name "Concord" to symbolize harmony and fellowship, a poignant reflection of the post-Civil War era in which it was founded. Despite the initial legislative act, a lack of immediate state funding meant that local efforts by five prominent families were instrumental in securing land and constructing a rudimentary building.

Classes at the newly established institution officially commenced on May 10, 1875, welcoming an inaugural class of 70 students. Early years were marked by dedication and community support. A significant milestone occurred in 1887 when the West Virginia legislators finally appropriated state funds to construct a new, more substantial brick building erected on the present Athens Middle School site. This expansion underscored the state's growing commitment to public education.

In 1896, a practical challenge led to a symbolic change: due to confusion with another post office named "Concord" in Hampshire County, West Virginia, the town's name was officially changed to "Athens." This renaming was a deliberate nod to the ancient Greek city, renowned as a center of learning and culture, thus aligning with the aspirations of the burgeoning educational institution. Despite the town's name change, the school retained its original designation, "Concord."{{cite news |last1=Harvey |first1=Jeff |title=What's in a name? A lot, if you lived in Athens, or Concord |url= https://www.ptonline.net/news/local_news/what-s-in-a-name-a-lot-if-you-lived/article_ba965731-125c-539e-a3bf-be42493d4109.html |work=Princeton Times |date=May 8, 2017 |access-date=February 21, 2021}}

=Expansion and name change=

The turn of the century brought both challenges and further development. A devastating fire in 1910 destroyed the original brick building, necessitating a complete relocation of the campus to its current, elevated site. Initially known as "Old Main," a new building was erected in 1912. This iconic structure is still a central feature of the campus and is now recognized as Marsh Hall.

The post-World War I era ushered in a period of significant expansion. Beginning in 1918, Concord saw the construction of new residence halls and a gymnasium, signaling a broadening of its facilities. Concurrently, its academic programs underwent substantial upgrades, moving beyond purely secondary-level instruction. This period also saw shifts in its official designation, reflecting its evolving mission. In 1931, the institution's name was changed to "Concord State Teachers College," solidifying its role in preparing educators for West Virginia's schools. This year marked a significant achievement as the institution gained full national accreditation.

World War II brought unique changes to the campus. In 1943, the institution's name was shortened to "Concord College," its facilities were temporarily utilized by the United States Army Air Corps 15th College Training Detachment. This program trained young soldiers as Army Pilots, integrating military and academic credit. Following the war, in 1945, substantial postwar enrollment growth and a significant physical plant expansion began, including constructing a new Science Building. The period up to 1959 saw continued campus growth with the addition of the College Center, new student and faculty housing, and an expansion of the curriculum, emphasizing academic quality and fostering a more cosmopolitan faculty.

=Growth and university status=

The latter half of the 20th century presented new challenges and opportunities for Concord. In 1973, a proposal emerged from the West Virginia Board of Regents and the State Legislature to merge Concord College with nearby Bluefield State College. However, even the proposed administrative merger proved contentious and was ultimately abandoned in 1976. Following the cessation of merger plans, Concord experienced a notable increase in enrollment, accompanied by the introduction of various new academic programs.

The institution continued to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education. A pivotal moment in its modern history arrived in 2004 when Concord College officially transitioned to "Concord University." This renaming reflected its expanded academic offerings, graduate programs, and growing regional significance, signaling a new chapter in its long-standing commitment to education in southern West Virginia.{{cite web|url= https://www.concord.edu/about/history-future |title=Mission, History, and Future |work=Concord University |access-date=29 May 2025}}

Academics

Concord offers numerous undergraduate programs in 11 emphasis areas{{cite web|url= https://www.concord.edu/Academics/Undergraduate-Programs.aspx |title=Undergraduate Programs | website=concord.edu |access-date=7 September 2020}} and six graduate programs: Master of Education, Master of Social Work, Master of Arts in Health Promotion, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Athletic Training, and Master of Business Administration.{{cite web|url= https://www.concord.edu/admissions/graduate.aspx |title=Welcome to Concord University's Graduate Studies |website=concord.edu |access-date=28 September 2022}}

=Colleges and departments=

The university is organized into three units:{{cite web |title=Concord Academics |url= https://www.concord.edu/Academics.aspx |website=concord.edu |access-date=7 September 2020}}

College of Professional and Liberal Studies
College of Science, Mathematics, and Health
Graduate Studies

Facilities

Concord University's campus features numerous buildings and facilities.

The majority of administrative offices, as well as the education, social sciences, languages and literature divisions, are located in Marsh Hall (known as "Admin" on campus). Marsh Hall also features a 48-bell carillon atop the building.
The Science Building, attached to Marsh Hall, houses science laboratories and the natural sciences division. Located on the ground floor of the Science Building is the university's electron microprobe lab. This is West Virginia's only electron microprobe lab.{{cite web|url= https://www.concord.edu/Academics/College-of-Natural-Sciences,-Mathematics,-and-Heal/Department-of-Physical-Science/Labs/Electron-Microprobe-Lab.aspx |title=Concord University Electron Microprobe Lab |access-date=9 April 2021}}
The Alexander Fine Arts Center, home to the fine arts division, features the Main Auditorium, art galleries, H.C. Paul Theatre, art laboratories, classrooms, and the office of the student newspaper.
The Carter Center houses the university's two gymnasiums, athletic offices, classrooms, racquetball courts, and indoor athletic facilities.
The Student Center includes a cafeteria, food court, student government office, student support offices, mail office, and public relations offices. The Student Center also features a ballroom and conference facilities.
The Bonner House houses the offices of the Bonner Scholars Program, a conference room, the counseling center, and faculty offices.
The Woodrum House is home to students from the ALEF (Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation) Fellowship, a leadership organization on campus.
The Maintenance Building houses the public safety offices, receiving station, and maintenance facilities. Witherspoon Park features faculty housing.
The President's House and Vice President's House as well as other homes are located on campus.
The campus features an observatory.
The university has the largest library in southern West Virginia, the J. Frank Marsh Library, which is a depository for federal documents. The library offers computer labs and facilities, microfiche, copying services, a juvenile section, and the university's archives. In the basement of the library, the university has its Center for Academic Technologies, which features a television studio, radio station and studio, a DNA laboratory, as well as distance education and technology classrooms.{{cite web|url= https://www.concord.edu/About/Important-Offices-Centers/Library-(1).aspx |title=Concord University Library |access-date=26 December 2012}}
Outdoor athletic facilities include Callaghan Stadium featuring an artificial turf field funded by June O. Shott. Callaghan Stadium also features track and field facilities, tennis courts, and a baseball/softball practice field. Anderson Field, located on the outskirts of the campus, features the soccer field and baseball/softball field.
Five main residence halls: The Twin Towers, North (women's) and South (men's), Laura A. Sarvay Hall (closed), Damarius O. Wilson Hall (co-ed), and W.S. "Woody" Wooddell Hall, referred to on-campus as "The Woo" (closed).
The Nick Rahall Technology Center.{{cite news|url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1449253471.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131111044632/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1449253471.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 November 2013 |title=Tech Center to Help Concord Students Develop Skills |newspaper=The State Journal|date=29 February 2008 |last=Sorah |first=Annette |access-date=26 December 2012 }} It is the home of the Division of Business, the Entrepreneurial Studies Program, the Center for Academic Technologies, and the university computer center. This $14 million project is a central location for McDowell, Wyoming, Raleigh, Fayette, Greenbrier, Summers, Mercer and Monroe Counties of West Virginia where existing business may obtain training/orientation in technologies. The center also houses the Concord University Entrepreneurial Studies Program, supported by a grant from the Hugh Ike Shott Foundation. Incubator businesses, gifted Concord students, as well as professional Concord consulting faculty from the School of Business and other disciplines, are brought together in the Rahall Center to use the area's "brain trust" to create entrepreneurial advantages for Southern West Virginia.
The University Point facility, housing the Erickson Alumni Center, as well as the Wilkes Family Interfaith Chapel and Museum.{{cite web|url= https://www.concord.edu/About/Advancement-and-Alumni.aspx |title=University Point |publisher=Concord University Office of Advancement |access-date=9 April 2021}}

Other campuses

Concord University's main campus is located in Athens, West Virginia. The university also operates in a center near Beckley. The facility was established to coordinate the public colleges serving the region with five founding institutions.{{cite web |title=History of the EBHEC |url= http://ermabyrdcenter.org/node/66 |publisher=Erma Byrd Higher Education Center |date=October 8, 2007 |access-date=February 21, 2021}} US Senator Robert C. Byrd secured $10 million from the US Department of Health and Human Services to develop the campus and begin building the facility. It is named the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center (after the deceased spouse of Senator Byrd) in Beaver. The center was designed to also serve as a catalyst to attract business and industry to the area. Concord University's Beckley office coordinates classes at the Erma Byrd Center as well as at several other facilities in and surrounding Beckley.

Campus organizations

Concord sponsors nearly 200 on-campus organizations, including fraternities, sororities, religious and political organizations, an Art Society, chapters of Delta Zeta, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Phi Alpha Delta, Alpha Phi Omega, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Phi Sigma Phi, Sigma Tau Delta, Alpha Sigma Tau, Gay-Straight Alliance, College Republicans, Young Democrats, a chapter of Amtgard known as the "Shire of Nowhere Mountains," and a community theatre organization known as the Appalachian Shakespeare Project.

The Concord University Student Government Association (SGA) is responsible for many changes on campus and is active in every aspect of Concord life. All organizations are required to send a representative to all SGA meetings if they would like to ability to vote in the Student Senate and obtain budgetary privileges to request funds from the Student Government's Discretionary fund. The Student Government at Concord University is especially advanced compared to other SGAs in West Virginia, and is noted for its model judicial system wherein a student court, composed entirely of students, handles the majority of adjudications for most student offenses. The Student Government is also one of few student governments in the state of West Virginia that have a voting member on the university's Board of Governors.

Residence life

There are five residence halls on campus. North (female) and South (male) Towers house the fraternities and sororities as well as Honors and several sports teams. Each floor has two lounges. There is one co-ed hall, Sarvay, which is also the oldest building on campus still standing. Sarvay is traditionally a female dorm, but, due to a shortage of housing, men lived on the first floor. The other two halls are Wilson for women and Woodell, nicknamed "The Woo," for men. Housing is not divided by year. Several floors are set aside as "substance free," and the rest allow alcohol if both residents are over 21.

The North and South Towers complex underwent a major renovation, which was completed in 2017.

As of the fall semester of 2018, the only residence halls open were North Tower, South Tower, and Wilson Hall, due to lack of enrollment.

Wilson Hall now acts as a co-ed hall, with men and women living on separate floors.{{Cite web |last=Meadows |first=Bayleigh |title=Residence Halls |url=https://www.concord.edu/student-life/residence-housing/residence-halls |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=Concord University |language=en-US}}

Athletics

File:ConcordUniversityFootballFieldGame.jpg

Concord University, known athletically as the Mountain Lions, is home to many intercollegiate and intramural athletics teams. The men's intercollegiate teams include: baseball, basketball, football, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field. The women's intercollegiate teams include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, and track and field. Concord University is an NCAA Division II school, and a member of the Mountain East Conference. The Office of Student Affairs provides intramurals in many athletic activities, including flag football, volleyball, and basketball.{{cite web|url= https://www.cumountainlions.com/ |title=Concord University Lions |publisher=Concord University Athletics |access-date=26 December 2012 }}

People

{{see also|List of presidents and principals of Concord University}}

=Notable alumni=

Ronald J. Bacigal, professor of law, University of Richmond School of Law{{cite web |title=Ronald J. Bacigal Professor Emeritus of Law |url= https://law.richmond.edu/faculty/rbacigal/ |publisher=School of Law - University of Richmond |access-date=28 September 2022}}
Robert Byrd, US Senator from West Virginia{{cite web|title=Byrd, Robert Carlyle, (1917–2010) |publisher=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress |url= https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/b001210 |access-date=28 September 2022}}
Don Caruth, West Virginia politician{{cite news |last1=Archer |first1=Bill |title=Sen. Caruth remembered by friends, colleagues at service |url= https://www.register-herald.com/news/state_and__region/sen-caruth-remembered-by-friends-colleagues-at-service/article_1f388f38-3ded-561c-9ea4-3bca35777b7a.html |newspaper=Beckley Register-Herald |date=29 July 2014 |access-date=28 September 2022}}
Phil Conley, West Virginian historian, author, and teacher{{cite web | last1=Marsh | first1=Joseph Franklin Jr. |title=Citation: Philip Malloy Conley, Doctor of Laws |url= https://www.concord.edu/ConcordUniversity/media/Academics/PDF/HONORARY-DEGREES-Philip-Mallory-Conley.pdf |publisher=Concord College |date=14 May 1960 |access-date=28 September 2022}}
Creigh Deeds, Virginia state senator{{cite web |title=Creigh Deeds - Senator, District 25 |url= https://www.cleanvirginia.org/representative/creigh-deeds/ |website=cleanvirginia.org |access-date=28 September 2022}}
Alexander Harman, Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia{{cite journal |last1=Ingram |first1=Robert J. |title=A Tribute to Alexander M. Harman, Jr. |journal=Washington and Lee Law ReviewWashington and Lee Law Review |date=1 June 1997 |volume=54 |issue=3 |pages=865–874 |url= https://scholarlycommons.law.wlu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1677&context=wlulr |access-date=28 September 2022}}
Kahlil Joseph, film, television, and stage actor as well as a teacher of performing arts{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Michelle |title=Concord grad to appear on soap opera |url= https://www.register-herald.com/news/lifestyles/concord-grad-to-appear-on-soap-opera/article_f3dc7d54-9cf1-5c05-a9c2-bd8093e78389.html |newspaper=Beckley Register-Herald |date=26 October 2014 |access-date=28 September 2022}}{{cite web |title=Kahlil Joseph: Trivia |url= https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1395581/trivia |work=IMDb |access-date=28 September 2022}}
Jackson L. Kiser, judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia{{cite web |title=Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Remembers District Judge Jackson L. Kiser |url= https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/news-announcements/article/2020/11/03/fourth-circuit-court-of-appeals-remembers-district-judge-jackson-l.-kiser |publisher=United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth District |date=3 November 2020 |access-date=28 September 2022}}
Christy Martin, world champion boxer{{cite web |last1=Glock |first1=Allison |title=The remarkable life (and near death) of boxer Christy Martin |url= https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/29315414/the-remarkable-life-death-boxer-christy-martin |publisher=ESPN |date=17 June 2020 |access-date=28 September 2022}}
Bret Munsey, Arena Football League coach{{cite web|url= http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3267337 |title=Philadelphia Soul game notes |website=OurSportsCentral.com |date=7 February 2006 |access-date=26 December 2012 }}
Daniel Richards, professional wrestler{{cite web|url= https://www.theringer.com/2017/9/20/16330068/the-progressive-liberal-wrestler-daniel-richards |title=The Progressive Liberal's Agenda |first=Alan |last=Siegel |work=The Ringer |date=September 20, 2017 |access-date=February 4, 2018}}
Freida J. Riley, teacher who influenced the Rocket Boys, subjects of the movie October Sky{{cite web |last1=Marzell |first1=Terry Lee |title=The amazing Freida Riley, inspiration for Rocket Boys |url= http://chalkboardchampions.org/the-amazing-freida-riley-inspiration-for-rocket-boys/ |work=Chalkboard Champions |date=23 May 2019 |access-date=28 September 2022}}
Josh Stowers, member, West Virginia House of Delegates{{cite news |title=Election candidate profile: Josh Stowers |url= https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/election-candidate-profile-josh-stowers/article_645b8ddf-8e9f-5f93-be4c-4eede5c8d747.html |newspaper=The Herald-Dispatch |date=27 March 2012 |access-date=28 September 2022}}