INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) today announced a transformational $1 million gift from The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF), one of the largest in the foundation’s history, to support the university’s new Purdy School of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.
“We are deeply grateful to The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation for their generosity and shared commitment to advancing agricultural innovation in our state,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage. “This investment will help provide valuable learning opportunities for our students so that they can help meet the needs of the growing agricultural economy of the state and nation for years to come.”
TGKVF has been a longstanding partner to WVSU, providing numerous grants over the years to advance research and extension programs, as well as initiatives such as the Opening Soon Entrepreneurship Program. This latest gift represents a bold investment in the University’s vision to expand agricultural education, research, and community impact for generations to come.
“The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation is honored to be a part of this historic moment for West Virginia State University,” said Dr. Michelle Foster, President and CEO of TGKVF. “Our mission has always been to invest in initiatives that strengthen our region and create pathways to opportunity. This new School of Agriculture will do exactly that—preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders while supporting innovation that will sustain our communities for decades to come.”
The new school will be housed within a $50 million state-of-the-art agricultural laboratory on WVSU’s Institute campus. The facility will provide laboratory space for both WVSU and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, fostering collaboration in research and outreach. Students will gain valuable experiential learning opportunities through direct engagement in agricultural research projects that address local and regional needs.
“This gift will have an enduring impact and will help position the new Purdy School of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources as a hub for cutting-edge research, hands-on learning, and real-world solutions that benefit our students, our farmers, and our communities,” said Trey Jones, WVSU Vice President of Advancement and President of the WVSU Foundation. “It’s a testament to what can happen when philanthropy, education, and vision align to build something extraordinary for West Virginia.”
The Purdy School of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources — named in recognition of a historic $2.5 million gift from Verl and Sandra Purdy — will leverage the support of TGKVF and other partners to expand WVSU’s already robust agricultural programs. The facility and school will strengthen WVSU’s role as a leader in agricultural education and research, while reinforcing agriculture’s importance to West Virginia’s economy, heritage, and future.
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