SENATE RESOLUTION 28

(By Senators Gaunch, Jeffries, Plymale, Stollings, Unger, Boso, Baldwin, Cline, Beach, and Drennan)

[Introduced February 6, 2018]

Designating February 6, 2018, as West Virginia State University Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, West Virginia State University offers award-winning academics, exceptional athletics, and ground-breaking research; and

Whereas, The University was founded as the West Virginia Colored Institute by the West Virginia Legislature 127 years ago on March 17, 1891, as a public historically black college and university in Institute, West Virginia; and

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

Whereas, Along with existing 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; and

Whereas, In 1927, under the leadership of President John W. Davis, through the expansion of academic programs and the construction of new buildings, the institution was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools making it the first of 17 original African-American land-grant schools to be certified by a regional association and one of only four African-American colleges to gain such status. It became the first public college in West Virginia to be accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 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 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 College rapidly transitioned to an integrated institution; and

Whereas, Under the leadership of President William J. L. Wallace, the motto “A Living Laboratory of Human Relations,” was adopted and West Virginia State College garnered national attention, hailing, “a tribute to the character and courage of the people of Kanawha Valley,” for the resulting 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 77 academic program options leading to 23 baccalaureates and five masters degrees; and

Whereas, West Virginia State University is actively working with other state institutions of higher education to create additional pathways for degree-seeking students; and

Whereas, As one of only two land-grant institutions in the state, West Virginia State University’s Extension Service serves 38 counties. These services aid 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 animal research, amassing $15 million in research funding; and

Whereas, With every dollar the state invests in West Virginia State University, the university generates nearly $16 spent in the West Virginia economy, resulting in an estimated economic output of $254 million per year; and

Whereas, College Choice, based on data provided by U. S. News & World Report, National Center on Educational Statistics, and Payscale, ranked West Virginia State University the second-best public college or university in the State of West Virginia; 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 NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson, who inspired the film, “Hidden Figures”, and 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 127 years ago, West Virginia State University has always proven to be a community of students and outstanding faculty and staff, devoted to helping people find their passion and gain the education needed to launch successful careers and change the world. Students like Taylor Conaway, the Student Government President for the 2017-2018 academic year, who exhibits a passion for instilling initiatives that strengthened the power of the constituent’s voice. It is a passion that drives her aspiration to become Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court of Appeals, and, like many West Virginia State University students, strives to leave a lasting impact in the world; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 6, 2018, as West Virginia State University Day at the Legislature; 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.