INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State University (WVSU) has announced the establishment of the S. Lucia Mitchell, Prillerman & Holland Scholarship through a planned gift from alumna Sernorma Lucia Mitchell, a 1973 graduate of what was then West Virginia State College (WVSC).
The endowed scholarship will support underrepresented undergraduate students at WVSU with preference given to Kanawha County students connected to the WVSU Healthy Grandfamilies program, first-generation college students, and students demonstrating financial need.
Mitchell said the scholarship reflects the support and encouragement she received throughout her life and educational journey.
Raised in Kanawha County in what she describes as a “non-traditional” family, Mitchell and her siblings were raised by their widowed grandmother, Louise M. Prillerman, following the death of their grandfather before Mitchell was born. Mitchell credits her grandmother’s faith, determination, and sacrifice with helping shape her future.
She also recognized the influence of her godparents, Robert Andrew and Helen Gladys Holland, as well as members of the Institute community and mentors at WVSC who encouraged and supported her educational aspirations.
While attending WVSC, Mitchell commuted to campus and worked catered events to help finance her education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work with a concentration in sociology and public policy in December 1973, graduating a semester early.
Following graduation, Mitchell built a distinguished career in public service, serving in leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. During her career, she oversaw more than $200 million in community development, economic development, and housing programs across Wisconsin and Tennessee and worked alongside governors, mayors, congressional leaders, and local officials to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for residents.
“Standing on the shoulders of her grandmother, her godparents, the Institute community, her mentors at WVSC, her AKA sisters, and fueled by her faith and strong work ethic, Lucia’s humble beginnings paved the way to an incredibly successful career,” Kate Flack, Executive Director of Development for University Advancement, shared.
Through the establishment of the scholarship, Mitchell hopes to provide future generations of students with the same opportunities that helped shape her own life and career.
The planned gift to establish the endowed scholarship is part of the State of Tomorrow Capital Campaign, which seeks to raise $25 million to elevate student experiences, strengthen academic programs, expand campus resources, and sustain WVSU’s legacy as a vital partner in West Virginia’s growth.
For more information about the State of Tomorrow Campaign and how to contribute visit www.wvstateu.edu/stateoftomorrow.
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