History
Founded in 1872 as a state Normal School to prepare teachers, Concord University (CU) is a public, career focused liberal arts institution located in rural southern West Virginia, one of the poorest regions of the country. Concord’s evolution in many respects mirrors the historical development of other public comprehensive regional college.
Education
Concord University strives to ensure that students come away from their experience with knowledge and skills that will enable them to fulfill their personal and professional aspirations and awareness in respect to their chosen discipline. The learning goals and outcomes are derived from national research and best practices surrounding liberal arts education and Concord University’s mission.
The goals are a shared vision of what is expected of all Concord graduates.The educational programs of Concord University are designed to foster knowledge/mastery of content, critical thinking, communication, and personal, civic, cultural,and global competence.
Research
Concord University has a rich tradition of research and scholarly inquiry. Students have the opportunity to engage in original research and collaborate with faculty members both in and outside of the classroom. Explore our web site for more information about Research at Concord including the Human Subjects Review Board, Undergraduate Research Day, Committee on Research and links to the McNair Scholars Program and Office of Sponsored Programs.
Career
Concord University's Career Developmet Center is committed to assisting students and alumni with making the transition from academic pursuits to a successful career path or graduate school. The Career Development Center offers a variety of resources from initial career assessment to professional career preparation.Services:
- College Central Network Career Platform
- MyMajors Assessment - See which CU major(s) are your best fit!
- Career Development and Job Search Advising
- Graduate School Advising
- Job Posting for full-time, part-time & summer jobs
- Internship Opportunities
- Career related monthly workshops opportunities
- Career Planning Resource Section in the Library
- On-Campus Career Fairs
- Teacher Recruitment Events
Student services
The Office of Student Affairs has the major responsibility for student life at Concord. Facilities, programs, and services within the Office are designed to extend and enhance the academic curriculum. Student Affairs works to facilitate the personal development of an increasingly diversified student body. The Office of Student Affairs encourages each student to become involved in the process of his or her own education, development, and personal growth.
Housing services
Concord provides on-campus housing and meal plans.
Library services
The library is a partial depository for United States government documents; maintains a significant collection of West Virginia historical materials, preserves a Concord University archival collection, and is home to the Wells Goodykoontz Collection of autographed portraits and photographs of presidents and other well-known personalities.
ICT services
The IT Help Desk is Concord University’s single point of contact for all technology related issues for students, faculty, and staff. If you encounter a problem with anything from accessing email to using Blackboard or Banner, the IT Help Desk is here to offer the technology support that you need.
Medical services
The Health Center provides basic level medical care for acute minor illness or injury, and the following services (fees required where indicated):
- PPD tuberculin testing (fee)
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Weight monitoring
- Loan of medical equipment: crutches or wheelchairs
- Testing and treatment of some sexually transmitted diseases
- Sexual assault counseling and referral
- Self-care center
- Pregnancy tests
Campus life
Concord University is a four-year public liberal arts university located in Athens, West Virginia, about an hour and a half from Charleston, West Virginia, and Roanoke, Virginia. Airports in both cities offer flights to and from many major U.S. cities.
Sports facilities
Esports is competitive, organized video gaming that attracts players and spectators from around the world. Concord was the first public college or university in West Virginia to offer varsity esports to its students. “Not only will starting a varsity esports team allow more students to compete on the collegiate level, the university hopes to use this as a springboard for future courses,” President Boggess says. Only seven colleges and universities had varsity esports programs in July of 2016. By 2018, there were 63 institutions.
Student clubs
- Concord University is comprised of many elements and one of the most important is the various student organizations that add so much to the diversity of the campus.
- Deciding to join a University student organization offers many opportunities and allows you the chance to make a difference both on and off campus.
- Certain facilities and services are available to student organizations to enhance their efforts to be successful members and contributors to the campus.
Concord University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission