Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public college located in Keyser, West Virginia, and is part of the West Virginia University system, which includes West Virginia University Institute of Technology and West Virginia University at Parkersburg. The college was established in 1901 as the Keyser Preparatory Branch of West Virginia University, with the goal of providing education to students in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Over the years, the college has undergone several transformations, including becoming a community college in 1939 and later a college of agriculture in 1950, with ties to the United States Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. The college has also been influenced by notable figures such as David Hunter Strother, a West Virginia University alumnus, and Stephen M. Peterson, a former West Virginia state senator.

● History

The history of the college dates back to 1901, when it was established as the Keyser Preparatory Branch of West Virginia University, with the support of West Virginia Governor George W. Atkinson and United States Senator Stephen B. Elkins. The college was initially designed to provide education to students in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, with a focus on agriculture and mechanical arts, similar to the Iowa State University and Purdue University models. In the early 1900s, the college was influenced by the Progressive Movement, which emphasized the importance of education and social reform, as seen in the works of John Dewey and Jane Addams. The college has also been shaped by its relationships with other institutions, including Fairmont State University, Glenville State College, and Shepherd University, as well as organizations like the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and the American Association of Community Colleges.

● Campus

The campus of the college is located in Keyser, West Virginia, and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the Administration Building, which was constructed in 1913 with the support of the West Virginia Legislature and the United States Department of the Interior. The campus is situated on a hill overlooking the Potomac River, which has played a significant role in the region's history and economy, with ties to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The college is also close to the Appalachian Trail and the Monongahela National Forest, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education, similar to those found at Yosemite National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. The campus has undergone significant renovations in recent years, with the addition of new facilities such as the Mary F. Shipper Library, which was named after a former West Virginia University librarian, and the Davis Hall, which was named after a former West Virginia state legislator, Jennings Randolph.

● Academics

The college offers a range of academic programs, including associate's degree and bachelor's degree programs in fields such as business administration, computer science, and nursing, with accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The college is also known for its strong programs in agriculture and natural resources, which are supported by the West Virginia University Extension Service and the United States Department of Agriculture. The college has a strong focus on experiential learning, with opportunities for students to participate in internships, research projects, and study abroad programs, such as those offered by the National Science Foundation and the Fulbright Program. The college has partnerships with other institutions, including West Virginia University, Virginia Tech, and University of Maryland, as well as organizations like the National Association of Colleges and Employers and the American Council on Education.

● Student Life

The college has a range of student organizations and activities, including sports teams, music groups, and community service clubs, such as the Potomac State College Student Government Association and the Keyser Rotary Club. The college also has a strong focus on student support services, including academic advising, counseling, and career services, with support from organizations like the National Academic Advising Association and the American Counseling Association. The college has a diverse student body, with students from a range of backgrounds and ages, including traditional students, non-traditional students, and international students from countries like China, India, and South Korea. The college has a strong sense of community, with many students participating in volunteer work and community service projects, such as those sponsored by the AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps.

● Athletics

The college has a range of athletic teams, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball, which compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. The college has a strong focus on athletic development, with opportunities for students to participate in sports camps and clinics, such as those offered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the American Athletic Conference. The college has a range of athletic facilities, including the Lough Field, which was named after a former West Virginia University athlete, and the Davis Gymnasium, which was named after a former West Virginia state legislator, Robert C. Byrd. The college has a strong rivalry with other colleges in the region, including Garrett College, Allegany College of Maryland, and Hagerstown Community College, as well as institutions like University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University.

Category:Universities and colleges in West Virginia