Concord University

Concord University
source
Name	Concord University
Established	1872
Type	Public
Location	Athens, West Virginia, USA

Concord University is a public university located in Athens, West Virginia, that offers a wide range of academic programs, including Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, as well as Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees in fields like Business Administration and Education. The university is part of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Concord University has a strong connection with the West Virginia State Legislature and has produced many notable alumni, including United States Senators and West Virginia Governors. The university's curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, preparing them for careers in fields like Medicine, Law, and Engineering, with many students going on to attend prestigious institutions like Harvard University and Stanford University.

● History

Concord University was founded in 1872 as a Normal School, with the goal of training Teachers for the state's public schools. Over the years, the university has undergone several transformations, including becoming a State Teachers College in 1921 and a State College in 1943. In 2004, the university changed its name to Concord University to reflect its expanded academic offerings, which now include programs in Business, Health Sciences, and Arts and Sciences. The university has a strong connection to the American Civil War and the West Virginia Independence movement, with many of its founders and early leaders playing important roles in the state's history, including Stonewall Jackson and Abraham Lincoln. The university's history is also closely tied to the Coal Mining industry, which has played a significant role in the state's economy, with many students going on to work for companies like Consol Energy and Arch Coal.

● Academics

Concord University offers a wide range of academic programs, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, as well as programs in Computer Science, Engineering, and Nursing. The university is also home to the Marshall University-affiliated Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and the West Virginia University-affiliated College of Law. Students can also pursue degrees in Fine Arts, Music, and Theatre, with many going on to perform at venues like the Metropolitan Opera and the Kennedy Center. The university has a strong focus on Research and Community Engagement, with many faculty members involved in projects with organizations like the National Science Foundation and the American Red Cross. The university's academic programs are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, preparing them for careers in fields like Medicine, Law, and Engineering, with many students going on to attend prestigious institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California Institute of Technology.

● Campus

The Concord University campus is located in Athens, West Virginia, and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the Administration Building, which was built in 1913 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The campus is also home to the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center and the Charleston Civic Center, which host a variety of events and performances throughout the year, including concerts by artists like Elton John and Taylor Swift. Students can also take advantage of the university's proximity to Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Charlotte, North Carolina, with many internships and job opportunities available in these cities, including at companies like Google and Microsoft. The campus is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and Environmental Studies, with many students participating in programs like the Appalachian Trail and the National Park Service.

● Student Life

Concord University offers a wide range of student organizations and activities, including Fraternities and Sororities, Student Government Association, and Club Sports. Students can also participate in Community Service projects, such as Habitat for Humanity and American Cancer Society fundraisers, with many students volunteering at organizations like the Salvation Army and the United Way. The university's Student Union features a variety of amenities, including a Food Court, Bookstore, and Game Room, with many students also taking advantage of the university's Recreation Center and Wellness Programs. Students can also attend events and performances at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, with many students also participating in programs like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kennedy Center's Arts Education Program.

● Athletics

Concord University's athletic teams, the Mountain Lions, compete in the Mountain East Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. The university offers a variety of sports, including Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Soccer, with many students also participating in Club Sports like Rugby and Lacrosse. The university's athletic facilities include the Callaghan Stadium and the Carter Center, which host a variety of events and competitions throughout the year, including tournaments like the NCAA Men's Division II Basketball Championship and the NCAA Men's Division II Football Championship. The university's athletic programs are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, preparing them for careers in fields like Sports Management and Sports Medicine, with many students going on to work for teams like the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Lakers.

● Notable Alumni

Concord University has a long list of notable alumni, including United States Senators like Jay Rockefeller and Robert Byrd, as well as West Virginia Governors like Gaston Caperton and Joe Manchin. Other notable alumni include Business Leaders like Jim Justice and Don Blankenship, as well as Artists like Pearl S. Buck and Don Knotts. The university's alumni can also be found in a variety of fields, including Medicine, Law, and Engineering, with many working for companies like NASA and IBM. The university's notable alumni are a testament to the quality of education provided by the university, with many going on to achieve great things in their respective fields, including winning awards like the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize.