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#WVU150: Looking back and moving forward

From humble beginnings dating back to 1867, West Virginia University has become a premier research institution, creating world-changing innovations that are making a lasting impact in the fields that matter most. The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of that progress, producing more than $12 million in annually funded research and providing 60 percent of all undergraduate education.

This week, we take time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed—it’s our time to celebrate. Then, join us March 23 at 11:30 a.m. as we commemorate WVU’s 150th birthday in iconic Woodburn Circle—where it all began.

  •  1895: College of Arts and Sciences established.
    • Then, the College consisted of nine academic schools: Ancient Languages, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, English, Geology and Mineralogy, History and Political Science, Mathematics, Metaphysics, and Modern Languages.
  • 1902: New programs included biblical studies, botany, drawing, and zoology.
  • 1925: Clark Hall construction completed.
    • “Chemistry Hall is the largest and most complete educational building in West Virginia, standing four stories high and being 254 feet long by 79 feet wide. The building...stands out as another step forward in the educational progress of the state of West Virginia." 

          –President Frank Butler Trotter

  • 1947: Following record enrollment of 6,019, land is purchased to build what is today Armstrong Hall, Brooks Hall and Hodges Hall.
  •  1963: As the University began recruiting more international students, the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics formed, bringing together the classics, German and romance languages.
  • 1987: The Eberly Family Trust established the first Eberly Family Distinguished Professorships.
    • Today, these endowed professorships support 16 faculty members.
  • 1993: Center for Women’s and Gender Studies joined the Eberly College as an academic program.
  • 1993: College of Arts and Sciences renamed to Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
    • First time WVU honored a donor by naming them after an academic college or school.
  • 2016: WVU celebrated 125 years of women.
  • 2016: Department of Forensic and Investigative Science launched new Ph.D. program.
  • WVU is the only university in the nation to offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in forensic and investigative science.
  • 2016: LGBTQ+ Center opened under the leadership of director Cris Mayo. 

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