SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 30

(By Senators Walters, Unger, Stollings, Gaunch, D. Hall, Boley, M. Hall, Leonhardt, Maynard, Nohe, Palumbo and Takubo)

Designating February 16, 2015, as West Virginia State University Day.

            Whereas, West Virginia State University was founded under the provisions of the Second Morrill Act of 1890 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, one of seventeen land-grant institutions authorized by Congress and designated by the states; 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 college or university in West Virginia; and

            Whereas, In 1929, the institution became known as West Virginia State College and over the next 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 made its historic decision outlawing school segregation and West Virginia State College rapidly transitioned to an integrated institution. The university’s student population is one of the most diverse in the state and an accurate reflection of America today; and

            Whereas, In 2004, the West Virginia Legislature approved the transition to university status; and

            Whereas, West Virginia State University now offers seventy-two academic program options, leading to twenty-two baccalaureate and four 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 thirty-eight counties daily. These services aid approximately fifteen thousand people throughout the year, including ten thousand children through summer food programs; 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; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate:

            That the Senate hereby designates February 16, 2015, 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. Brian O. Hemphill, President of West Virginia State University.