SENATE RESOLUTION 36

(By Senators Gaunch, Jeffries, Cline, Beach, Plymale, Stollings, Palumbo and Unger)

[Introduced March 14, 2017]

Designating March 14, 2017, as West Virginia State University Day.

Whereas, West Virginia State University was founded as the West Virginia Colored Institute by the West Virginia Legislature 126 years ago on March 17, 1891; 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 and holds 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 following decades, West Virginia State College 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. The university now serves a predominantly white, nontraditional aged, commuter population; 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 master’s 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; 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, Outstanding West Virginia State University alumni, such as NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson and NBA legend Earl Lloyd, continue 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 126 years ago, West Virginia State University has always proven to be a community of students, faculty and staff devoted to helping people find their passion and gain the education needed to launch successful careers; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 14, 2017, 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.