Bluefield State University: A Legacy of Transformation and Opportunity
Bluefield State University, a public historically black university (HBCU) in Bluefield, West Virginia, stands as a testament to the enduring power of education and adaptation. Founded in 1895, the institution has navigated significant societal shifts, evolving from its origins as a "high-graded school" for African Americans to a diverse and comprehensive university serving a broad range of students. Its history is marked by periods of celebration, challenges, and ultimately, a commitment to providing educational opportunities and fostering leadership.
Historical Roots and Early Development
In 1895, Governor Virgil A. McGaughy signed the legislative act that created the Bluefield Colored Institute to serve the African American population. At the time, the West Virginia Constitution prohibited racially integrated public education. Bluefield was strategically located within 100 miles of 70% of the state's African American residents. Principal Hamilton Hatter supervised the first class of 40 pupils. Nathan Cook Brackett, an abolitionist and first president of Storer College, served as president of the board of regents. Hatter oversaw the construction of Mahood Hall, the administrative building, as well as dormitories Lewis Hall and West Hall.
The institution's early years were shaped by the dedication of its founders, Nathan Cook Brackett and Hamilton Hatter, who played key roles in establishing the school. The Bluefield Colored Institute, as it was initially known, aimed to provide high-quality education to African Americans at a time when opportunities were limited. Hatter oversaw the construction of Mahood Hall, the administrative building, as well as dormitories Lewis Hall and West Hall. In July of 1920, Dr. R.A. Lansdell became the first president of Bluefield College. During his administration, he assembled the first faculty, erected the first buildings, and actively solicited funds for the college.
Expansion and Transformation
In 1909, the institute became a normal school, adding the training of teachers to its curriculum. By 1920, enrollment climbed to 235, with summer sessions for teacher certification adding hundreds more. Campus growth followed enrollment gains, expanding to 23 acres and the addition of Payne and Conley Halls. Over time, Bluefield State experienced significant growth and transformation. In 1909, it became a normal school, focusing on teacher training. By 1920, enrollment had climbed to 235, with summer sessions for teacher certification adding hundreds more. The campus expanded to 23 acres with the addition of Payne and Conley Halls.
Under the leadership of Robert P. Sims, who succeeded Hatter in 1906 and served for three decades, the institute evolved into a college. Sims' successor, Henry Dickason, was an institute alumnus and president from 1936 to 1952. By the mid-20th century, Bluefield State was a celebrated center of African-American culture, attracting prominent figures like Langston Hughes and Joe Louis. Heavyweight champion Joe Louis held boxing exhibitions in the gymnasium. Langston Hughes read poetry on campus. The institution earned recognition as one of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
Read also: Gridiron Glory at Bluefield State
Adapting to Change and Challenges
The latter half of the 20th century brought new challenges. Increased automation in the coal industry led to demographic shifts in the region. After the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education decision outlawed school segregation across the nation, the combination of high educational quality and low tuition costs at Bluefield State began attracting students of European descent, a trend that has continued for decades.
Neither the city nor the college were isolated from the demonstrations and demands for civil rights that dominated much of the 1960s. African American students protested that the school administration was working actively to transform Bluefield State from a historic black residential college to a commuter college with predominantly white students. Tensions culminated in a bombing incident in 1968, leading to the closure of dormitories. Despite these challenges, overall enrollment remained strong through the succeeding decades.
In 2003, Bluefield State was required to transfer all its two-year programs, except engineering and nursing, to New River Community and Technical College. In 2020, Bluefield State acquired the former Bluefield Regional Medical Center property, adding 68 acres to the campus and naming the student facility the Medical Education Center Residence Hall. Former patient rooms were converted to residences; a cafeteria and lounge areas were built in time for the 2021-22 school year.
Academic Programs and Resources
Bluefield State University offers a range of academic programs designed to meet the needs of its diverse student body. A degree program is an area of study approved as such by the institution and the Commission and listed on the official Commission inventory of degree programs, e.g. English, Social Work, and Physical Education. The degree, which is an award signifying a rank or level of educational attainment and which is conferred on students who have successfully completed a degree program, is represented by the official degree designation, e.g. B.A. - Bachelor of Arts, B.S. - Bachelor of Science, A.S. - Associate of Science, etc. A major is a field of study within an approved degree program, having its own curriculum. A degree program may have more than one major. A baccalaureate minor is earned in a specific subject area of study and must be composed of at least fifteen (15) credit hours or more of course work. An area of emphasis is a specific subject area of study, which has defined course offerings within an approved degree program and major. Normally, a minimum of twelve (12) and no more than eighteen (18) hours would be expected for an area of emphasis within a baccalaureate degree program and a minimum of six (6) and no more than twelve (12) credit hours would be expected for an area of emphasis within a graduate degree. Typically, a minimum of six (6) and no more than nine (9) credit hours would be expected for an area of emphasis within an associate degree program. Areas of emphasis completed would appear on the student’s transcript.
The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, ensuring the quality and rigor of its academic offerings. Accreditation means that a college has been carefully evaluated and approved in its governance, in each curriculum, in the quality of its faculty, in the adequacy of facilities, library, equipment, and laboratories. To assure its stature and academic excellence, a university obtains accreditation from both regional and national agencies and joins certain accrediting organizations. All graduating students are required to complete the general studies program specific to their degree level. This program is composed of a basic skills component and a core skills component in addition to the stipulated course requirements for specific programs as listed in this catalog.
Read also: Legacy of Bluefield State University
The William B. Robertson Library supports academic programs with approximately 72,579 volumes, 664,020 microforms, and access to electronic databases. Academic programs at Bluefield State College are supported by the William B. Robertson Library. The Library’s collections are designed to be of particular relevance to the students and staff of the college, and contain approximately 72,579 volumes, 664,020 microforms, and 12 newspapers and print journals and 23 e-journals. With access to 30 electronic databases, via the internet, the library provides professional assistance, training and information literacy instruction classes in the use of these and other information resources. The Instructional Technology Center (ITC) provides extended learning opportunities through interactive video and asynchronous distance learning. Bluefield State College offers time-bound and place-bound students extended learning opportunities through the Instructional Technology Center (ITC). Courses are available through a variety of modalities including interactive video and asynchronous distance learning. Interactive video courses are available over Bluefield State College’s Interactive Video Network (IVN) and utilize two- way audio and video between Bluefield and Beckley. Asynchronous distance learning classes are delivered to the students’ homes by course management systems via the Internet. Extended learning is administered through the Instructional Technology Center & Center for Extended Learning located in the Ned E.
The Computer Center, located in Dickason Hall, and other computer labs across campus provide students with access to technology. Bluefield State College suggests that all students own (or have access to) a personal computer. A working knowledge of its operations and up-to-date programs also augments the learning experience and instructional curves throughout the educational programs. This means that students should possess a functional knowledge of how to operate a personal computer. It is in the best interests of all students, staff and faculty members to become familiar with their personal computer before classes begin. Please note: the minimum requirements are suggested for individuals who already possess a personal computer. Many College instructional buildings and computer labs have been configured for a Wi-Fi connection, or Wireless Internet. To access the Wi-Fi infrastructure, it is necessary to obtain a Wireless Ethernet Card with a new purchase, which may come pre-packaged in newer laptops. The Computer Center is located on the first floor of Dickason Hall. There are three computer labs on the first floor. The Instructional Technology Center is located on the fourth (main) floor of the Ned Shott P.E. Building. Lab computers are also available in 311 Mahood Hall, the William B. Students must respond to online assignments in a timely manner. Adherence to the due dates established for each assignment is a cornerstone of fundamental fairness in the student’s learning experience. Instructors may make exceptions to the responsiveness regulations, but only under extreme circumstances warranting such exceptions.
Campus Life and Traditions
Bluefield State University offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of traditions and activities. The beginning of a student’s academic journey at Bluefield State begins with our traditional Matriculation Ceremony. During Welcome Weekend, all first-year students gather for this ceremonial event that marks the official start of their time at the University. In addition to the official welcoming ceremony, new students recite the Matriculation Oath and are invited to sign the Matriculation Pledge, signifying their commitment to Bluefield. Welcome Week is the official kick-off week for the academic year, and the first major program students experience at Bluefield State. Bluefield State is your home away from home. Our alumni are thrilled to come back during Homecoming each fall semester to catch up with classmates, friends, faculty & staff, see what has changed and what has stayed the same, and explore the Bluefield community. The Homecoming Court and the crowning of the King & Queen is a tradition that has a long history at the University for popular students each year, along with various class reunions, tailgate parties, and the traditional home football game. Sir Blue is Bluefield State University’s official mascot and biggest cheerleader - our well-known Blue Great Dane, who is a beloved presence at BSU sporting events and campus activities. Sir Blue appears at as many university functions as possible. University-sponsored activities, like summer Freshman Orientation programs, BSU Welcome Week, and athletic events, take priority. Every year, the Big Blue Family commemorates the founding of Bluefield State by honoring the memory and legacy of Nathan Cook Brackett and Hamilton Hatter, the two individuals who played key roles in establishing our school. Senator William M. Every semester students take a break from studying and enjoy the company of their classmates at the Almost Midnight Breakfast each semester. Bluefield State Alumni Eugene Jones ’38, penned The Bluefield State Hymn in 1935 and since that time has been performed by students and alumni at numerous campus events for decades.
The Annual Student Awards Banquet recognizes students and staff for academic excellence, leadership, and service. Sponsored by the Division of Students Affairs and the Student Government Association, the Annual Banquet recognizes current students and staff members and recognizes student organizations for academic excellence, leadership, service, and overall achievement during the year. Awards include the Nathan Cook Brackett Outstanding Student Leader of the Year Award, named in honor of the co-founder of Bluefield State, and the William H. Ross Outstanding Student Leader Award, named in honor of the first student at the school. University Commencement is the honored tradition at Bluefield State, which is held at the end of each spring semester. The formal celebration at which degrees are conferred upon graduating students, commencement is the annual event not to be missed by students, families, and friends. The ceremonial mace, our ornamental staff, is carried by designated students and university officials at the head of the academic procession as part of the formal academic ceremony.
Athletics
Bluefield State athletic teams are known as the Big Blue. Bluefield State belongs to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the NCAA Division II level, primarily competing in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) since the 2023-24 academic year; its men's wrestling team is an affiliate of Conference Carolinas. In 2020, President Capehart announced the return of football to the athletics program for the first time since 1980. Sports have a prominent place in Bluefield State's past and recent history. Teams competed in the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association-now the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)-from 1932 to 1955. In 1955, the college joined the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) and remained there until its dissolution in 2013. In 1927 and 1928, football teams (then the "Blue Devils") won Negro College Athletic Association national championships as announced by the Pittsburgh Courier. In 2020, football began its return to campus with the hiring of head coach Tony Coaxum. In 2021, the team played its first games in 41 years and finished the season with a 4-3 record. In 2022, the team played its second season as an independent and finished 4-4. Men and women's basketball teams competed in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) from 1955 until its dissolution in 2013. The men's teams were tournament finalists in 1987 and 1988. The women's teams won conference titles in 1985, 1987, 1990 and 1993. The men's golf team won a WVIAC championship in 2011. The men's tennis team won a WVIAC championship in 2012.
Read also: Paying for Bluefield State
Commitment to Leadership and Service
At Bluefield State College, leadership is found in giving strength to others. “We will give them tough love. We will not tolerate faithlessness in themselves,” one professor says. “We will say to them, ‘You can do this. Here are the tools." The university's motto, "Leadership for Service," reflects its commitment to developing graduates who will make a positive impact on their communities.
Recent Developments
The university garnered national attention in 2022 after the university suspended the faculty senate and created a new review system for tenured faculty members; this was quickly followed by a vote of no confidence by the university's faculty. This prompted an investigation by the university's accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), in September 2023. The commission's peer review team reported that the president and board of governors "do not operate with integrity in several academic and human resources functions," including accusations that the university president hired several faculty members without input from university faculty, that the president fired a staff member following their meeting with the peer review team, and that the university's governing board were "not making decisions in the best interest of the university".
tags: #bluefield #state #college #history #academics #campus
