SENATE RESOLUTION 39

(By Senators Jeffries, Hunt, Rucker, Caputo, Plymale, and Grady)

[Introduced February 14, 2024]

Designating February 15, 2024, as West Virginia State University Day at the Legislature.

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 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 is 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 has been an integral part of the curriculum, having graduated more than 900 second lieutenants, 15 major generals, and a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient throughout the university’s history; and

Whereas, In 1927, the university was accredited by the North Central Association 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; and

Whereas, In 1954, the United States Supreme Court made its historic decision to outlaw 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, As a land-grant institution, West Virginia State University’s Extension Service serves all 55 counties of the state; 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; and

Whereas, West Virginia State University currently has more than 17,000 alumni living in the State of West Virginia, including scholars, celebrities, politicians, businesspeople, athletes, and 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, Since its founding, 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 15, 2024, 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 contribution 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 Ericke S. Cage, 13th President of West Virginia State University.