West Virginia State University

History and Traditions

Our History Runs Deep

West Virginia State University was founded under the provisions of the Second Morrill Act of 1890 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, one of 19 land-grant institutions authorized by Congress and designated by the states to provide for the education of black citizens in agriculture and the mechanical arts. West Virginia was one of the states that maintained segregated educational systems at that time.
 
From 1891 to 1915, the original Institute offered the equivalent of a high school education, vocational training, and teacher preparation. In 1915, the West Virginia Collegiate Institute began to offer college degrees. Under the leadership of President John W. Davis, the academic program was expanded and new buildings were constructed, and in 1927, the Institution was accredited by the North Central Association; in 1929, it became West Virginia State College. Over the next decades, WVSC became recognized as one of the leading public institutions of higher education for African-Americans.
 
In 1954, the United States Supreme Court gave its historic decision outlawing school segregation. The consequence of this decision for West Virginia State College was a rapid transition to an integrated institution serving a predominantly white, commuting, and older student population.  Enrollment quadrupled during the following decades.
 
Meanwhile, by a decision of the West Virginia Board of Education, WVSC was compelled to surrender land-grant status, the only one of the 1890 institutions to do so. Only after a 12-year effort was the college’s land-grant status fully restored, in 2001 by an act of Congress.

In 2004, the West Virginia Legislature approved WVSC’s transition to University status. With a rich history, and promising future, WVSU is positioned to become the most student-centered research and teaching, land-grant university in West Virginia, and beyond.

Black and white photo of Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington Institute

An educated African-American leader, whose influence stretched from three US presidents to across the United States, made his boyhood home in Malden, West Virginia.

Historic black and white Photo of WVSU campus. In the center of the photo is a water tower and on either side are campus buildings.

Chapters From Our History

These stories offer but a glimpse of the rich and colorful history of West Virginia State University.

Constitution Day

Constitution Day is September 17 Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. Its

Graphic depicting the statue of Katherine Johnson on WVSU's campus

Notable Alumni

We West Virginians can boast of having more than our share of great African-American leaders who have made significant impacts on American history.

Black and white photo of the Tuskegee Airmen

Tuskegee

Learn About the Tuskegee Airmen Lesson plans and activities are divided into sections for grade levels 4 and 8. Each activity worksheet is available in both black and white or

Photo of the W Club lineup

W-Club

The National “W” Club has continuously worked to enhance the athletic programs at “State” by providing contributions for scholarships and equipment.

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