West Virginia State University (WVSU) is a public historically black university located in Institute, West Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute and has since evolved into a comprehensive university with a diverse student body of over 3,000 students. WVSU offers over 20 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields including agriculture, business, education, and natural sciences.
WVSU is known for its commitment to providing a quality education that is affordable and accessible to all. The university offers a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs to help students fund their education. In addition, WVSU has partnerships with various community colleges and four-year institutions that allow students to easily transfer credits and continue their education.
One of the unique features of WVSU is its research focus on agriculture and food security. The university has a 1,200-acre research farm that is used for agricultural research and education. WVSU also has several research centers and institutes focused on topics such as sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and health disparities. Students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in these research projects and gain valuable skills and knowledge.
WVSU has a vibrant campus life with over 40 student organizations, including Greek life, academic clubs, and cultural groups. The university also has a strong athletic program with 10 varsity sports teams that compete in the NCAA Division II. Overall, WVSU provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

West Virginia Colored Institute
What about West Virginia State University? Here are 27 interesting facts about West Virginia State University.
- West Virginia State University was founded in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute.
- The university is a historically black university (HBCU).
- The school’s first principal was Dr. John W. Davis, a graduate of Oberlin College and the first African American to receive a Ph.D. from an American university.
- The university’s original campus was located in what is now downtown Charleston, West Virginia.
- In 1915, the university moved to its current location in Institute, West Virginia.
- WVSU was the first public college or university in West Virginia to desegregate its student body in 1954.
- The university has a diverse student body with students from 22 states and 11 countries.
- WVSU offers over 20 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- The university is home to the West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation, which oversees research initiatives and partnerships with other organizations.
- The WVSU campus spans over 200 acres and includes a 1,200-acre research farm.
- The university is the only land-grant institution in West Virginia.
- The WVSU Extension Service provides educational programs and services to communities throughout the state.
- The university has a partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to offer a joint doctoral program in environmental science.
- WVSU is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, a non-profit organization that supports HBCUs.
- The university’s athletic teams are known as the Yellow Jackets.
- The WVSU football team won the first Black College Football National Championship in 1922.
- The university’s marching band is known as the “Marching Yellow Jackets.”
- WVSU has a rich tradition of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, education, and the arts.
- The university has a state-of-the-art engineering and science building that houses research labs, classrooms, and computer labs.
- The campus is home to the Creole Heritage Center, which promotes research, education, and preservation of Creole culture.
- WVSU has a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote sustainable agriculture and food security.
- The university’s debate team has won numerous national championships and is considered one of the best in the country.
- WVSU has a chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the first sorority founded by African American women.
- The university has a Center for the Advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), which provides resources and support for students pursuing STEM fields.
- WVSU has a partnership with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to promote local agriculture and support farmers in the state.
- The university has a chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, which was founded at Howard University in 1914.
- WVSU is home to the Economic Development Center, which provides resources and support for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the region.
West Virginia State University is a dynamic and inclusive institution that has been providing quality education to students for over a century. With a diverse student body, a commitment to research, and partnerships with various organizations and institutions, WVSU is a hub of innovation and progress. From its unique focus on agriculture and food security to its thriving athletic program and vibrant campus life, WVSU provides students with opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed both academically and personally. As an HBCU and the only land-grant institution in West Virginia, WVSU has a rich history of supporting underserved communities and promoting social justice. It continues to be a beacon of hope and progress for its students, alumni, and the wider community.