SENATE RESOLUTION 57

(By Senators Jeffries, Lindsay, Palumbo, Takubo, Rucker, Plymale, Hamilton, Beach, Stollings, Romano, Roberts, Maynard, Hardesty, Baldwin, and Swope)

[Introduced February 22, 2019]

Designating February 22, 2019, as West Virginia State University Day.

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

Whereas, West Virginia State 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 in Institute, West Virginia; and

Whereas, West Virginia State University 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, under the leadership of President John W. Davis, West Virginia State University was accredited by the North Central Association (Higher Learning Commission). This makes 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) and 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

Whereas, In 1954, the United States Supreme Court gave its historic decision outlawing school segregation and West Virginia State College rapidly transitioned to an integrated institution; and

Whereas, Under the leadership of President William J. L. Wallace, West Virginia State University adopted the motto, “A Living Laboratory of Human Relations”, and garnered national attention hailing, “. . . a tribute to the character and courage of the people of Kanawha Valley” for the 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, with 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 38 counties and approximately 20,000 people throughout the year; and

Whereas, As a regional research institution, West Virginia State University contributes significantly to state economic development efforts in the areas of biotechnology, plant, microbial, and water quality endeavors, amassing $17 million in research funding; 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, and leaders who have distinguished themselves across the globe and changed the world, such as: The Tuskegee Airmen; Colonel “Spanky” Roberts; NBA legend, Earl Lloyd; and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Katherine Johnson, who inspired the film, “Hidden Figures”; and

Whereas, West Virginia State University continues to lead the nation, state, and countless local communities spurring essential cultural and economic change for the betterment of all; and

Whereas, Since its founding 128 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 22, 2019, 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.