SENATE RESOLUTION 49

(By Senators Jeffries and Lindsay)

[Introduced February 20, 2020]

Designating February 21, 2020, as West Virginia State University Day.

Whereas, West Virginia State University is a premier regional research university that is recognized nationally for its quality education, innovative teaching and experiential learning; and

Whereas, The University was founded as the West Virginia Colored Institute by the West Virginia Legislature on March 17, 1891, as a public historically black college and university (HBCU) in Institute, West Virginia; and

Whereas, It was one of the original universities among the 1890 land-grant colleges and universities established by the second Morrill Act of 1890; and

Whereas, Along with academic programs, military education became an integral part of the curriculum, with the Legislature passing a bill to admit up to 60 cadets in 1899, graduating more than 900 second lieutenants and 15 generals throughout the University’s history; and          

Whereas, In 1927, the university was accredited by the North Central Association (Higher Learning Commission) making it the first of 17 original schools to be certified by a regional association, becoming the first public college in West Virginia to be accredited by the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission holding the longest continuous accreditation of any public college or university in West Virginia; and     

Whereas, In 1929, the Institution became known as West Virginia State College and over the next decades, West Virginia State was recognized as one of the leading public institutions of higher education for African-Americans; and                                 

Whereas, In 1954, the United States Supreme Court gave its historic decision outlawing school segregation and West Virginia State rapidly transitioned to an integrated institution garnering national attention for substantial enrollment increases after the removal of racial barriers; and

Whereas, In 2004, the West Virginia Legislature approved the transition to University status; and

Whereas, West Virginia State University now offers 72 academic program options leading to 23 baccalaureate and seven master’s degrees and seven fully online programs; and

Whereas, As one of only two land-grant institutions in the state, West Virginia State University’s Extension Service serves all 55 counties and approximately 20,000 people throughout the year, including through the statewide Healthy Grandfamilies program, which provides information and resources to grandparents raising their grandchildren; and

Whereas, As a regional research institution, West Virginia State University contributes significantly to state economic development efforts in the natural and social sciences, including agricultural, environmental, biomedical, and business and economics research endeavors, amassing over $17 million in research revenues; and

Whereas, With every dollar the state invests in West Virginia State University, the University returns $16 in economic activity, resulting in an estimated economic output of $254 million per year; and

Whereas, Prominent alumni from West Virginia State University include scholars, celebrities, politicians, business people, athletes, leaders, who have distinguished themselves across the globe and changed the world, such as the Tuskegee Airmen; NBA legend Earl Lloyd and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Katherine Johnson, who inspired the film, “Hidden Figures”; and

Whereas, West Virginia State University is a member of the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference, fielding 11 men’s and women’s athletic teams the compete regularly for conference championships; and

Whereas, Since its founding 129 years ago, West Virginia State University has always proven to be a community of students, outstanding faculty and staff devoted to helping people excel and gain the education needed to launch successful careers; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 21, 2020, as West Virginia State University Day; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby recognizes West Virginia State University for its tremendous contributions to the State of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, President of West Virginia State University.