42 Interesting Facts about West Virginia University

West Virginia University (WVU) is a public research university located in Morgantown, West Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1867 as the Agricultural College of West Virginia and has since grown to become the flagship institution of the West Virginia University System.

WVU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its 14 colleges and schools. It is particularly known for its programs in engineering, business, law, and medicine, and is home to some of the top-ranked programs in these fields.

The university has a strong commitment to research and innovation, with over $130 million in research expenditures each year. It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the National Research Center for Coal and Energy and the Health Sciences Innovation Center, and is known for its research in areas such as biotechnology, energy, and healthcare.

WVU is also known for its vibrant campus life, with over 450 student organizations and a wide range of athletic programs. The WVU Mountaineers compete in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference and have a storied history of success in football and basketball, among other sports.

West Virginia University

West Virginia University

It’s surely a good idea to look at these 42 interesting facts about West Virginia University to know more about this public research university.

  1. West Virginia University (WVU) was founded in 1867 as the Agricultural College of West Virginia.
  2. WVU is the flagship institution of the West Virginia University System.
  3. The university is located in Morgantown, West Virginia.
  4. WVU offers over 350 degree programs across its 14 colleges and schools.
  5. The university has over 29,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
  6. WVU is ranked #228 in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.
  7. The university is particularly known for its programs in engineering, business, law, and medicine.
  8. WVU has a strong commitment to research and innovation, with over $130 million in research expenditures each year.
  9. The university is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the National Research Center for Coal and Energy and the Health Sciences Innovation Center.
  10. WVU is known for its research in areas such as biotechnology, energy, and healthcare.
  11. WVU is home to the largest undergraduate engineering program in West Virginia.
  12. The university is also home to the WVU College of Law, which is one of only two law schools in the state.
  13. WVU has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship.
  14. The university’s campus features a number of green spaces, including the Core Arboretum, which showcases over 200 species of native trees and shrubs.
  15. WVU is home to the West Virginia University Libraries system, which includes over 2.5 million volumes and a number of special collections.
  16. The university is also home to the WVU Art Museum, which features over 6,000 works of art.
  17. WVU is a member of the Big 12 Conference and its teams are known as the Mountaineers.
  18. The WVU Mountaineers have a storied history of success in football and basketball, among other sports.
  19. The university’s mascot is the Mountaineer, a figure who represents the spirit of the West Virginia people.
  20. The Mountaineer is known for carrying a rifle and wearing a coonskin cap.
  21. WVU is home to over 450 student organizations, including clubs for sports, arts, culture, and community service.
  22. The university’s student newspaper, The Daily Athenaeum, has been in publication since 1887.
  23. WVU has a strong commitment to community engagement and offers a number of service-learning programs for students.
  24. The university’s Center for Service and Learning coordinates these programs and provides support to students who want to get involved in community service.
  25. WVU is located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
  26. The university is located near Coopers Rock State Forest, which features over 50 miles of hiking trails.
  27. WVU is home to the Mountaineer Fieldhouse, a historic gymnasium that was built in 1927.
  28. The university’s campus features a number of historic buildings, including Woodburn Hall, which was built in 1876 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  29. The university’s Center for Black Culture and Research provides support and resources for Black students on campus.
  30. The university is home to the WVU Alumni Association, which has over 200,000 members.
  31. The university has a global reach and maintains partnerships with over 100 institutions worldwide.
  32. WVU offers a number of study abroad programs, allowing students to gain international experience and broaden their perspectives.
  33. The university’s Office of Global Affairs provides support and resources for students who want to study abroad.
  34. WVU is home to the Media Innovation Center, which provides state-of-the-art facilities for students to produce and distribute multimedia content.
  35. The university’s Reed College of Media is known for its programs in journalism, strategic communications, and digital media.
  36. WVU is home to the WVU Cancer Institute, which is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
  37. The university’s Health Sciences Center is also home to a number of other research centers and institutes, including the Center for Neuroscience and the Center for Rural and Community Health.
  38. The university’s Center for Civic Engagement coordinates a number of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting community service and social responsibility.
  39. WVU is a designated “Military Friendly” institution and offers a number of resources and programs for veterans and military personnel.
  40. WVU has a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship and offers a number of resources and programs to support student startups and businesses.
  41. The university’s LaunchLab Network provides mentoring, funding, and other resources to help student entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses.
  42. WVU is proud of its history and traditions, including the singing of “Country Roads” by John Denver after every home football game, and the annual Mountaineer Week celebration, which features food, music, and cultural events celebrating the heritage of the Appalachian region.

West Virginia University is a vibrant and dynamic institution that offers a wide range of academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a strong commitment to public service and civic engagement. With its beautiful campus, dedicated faculty and staff, and diverse student body, WVU is a place where students can grow and thrive both academically and personally. Whether students are interested in pursuing a degree in the arts, sciences, or professional fields, they will find a supportive and inclusive community at WVU. The university’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility makes it a valuable asset not only to the state of West Virginia, but to the broader global community as well.