Potomac State College of West Virginia University: A Comprehensive Overview

Potomac State College of West Virginia University, located in Keyser, Mineral County, West Virginia, holds a unique position within the state's higher education landscape. As a regional campus of West Virginia University (WVU), it offers a blend of associate and bachelor's degrees, serving both traditional students and those seeking flexible educational pathways. This article delves into the college's history, academic offerings, campus life, and other essential aspects, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective students, alumni, and anyone interested in learning more about this institution.

Historical Roots and Evolution

The college's origins trace back to 1901 when the West Virginia legislature established the Keyser Preparatory Branch of West Virginia University. This initiative was significantly aided by Col. Thomas B. Davis, a local businessman, who donated 17 acres of land on Fort Hill for the school's campus. This location was historically significant, as it was the site of Fort Fuller, which played a crucial role in maintaining Union control of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad during the Civil War.

Initially, the institution functioned primarily as a secondary school. It commenced operations in 1902 as the West Virginia Preparatory School, housed in a single building that accommodated offices, classrooms, a library, and a gymnasium. Lloyd Friend was appointed as principal, leading a faculty of four. Over the next two decades, the school gradually expanded its offerings. In 1905, a commercial department was introduced, along with courses in music, elocution, and teacher training. By 1911, pre-engineering and agriculture programs were added, further broadening the scope of the curriculum.

Transformation and Growth

A fire in 1917 destroyed the original school building, prompting a special legislative session that allocated $30,000 for a new facility. The legislature also established an agricultural, industrial, and vocational department to align with the Smith-Hughes Act, which provided federal funding for vocational education. In 1919, the college acquired 125 acres of land to support the agriculture program, and the new Administration Building was completed.

In 1921, a significant transition occurred when the school became a junior college, offering the first two years of baccalaureate programs and certain vocational programs. The name was subsequently changed to Potomac State School. J. W. Lakin was appointed as the first president, a position he held for 15 years. In 1926, Potomac State achieved accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. By 1929, all secondary work and teacher training programs were eliminated, and all course work was aligned with the lower-division work offered at West Virginia University.

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Affiliation with WVU and Modern Identity

In 1935, the college was placed under the management of the Board of Governors of West Virginia University, and its name was changed to Potomac State School of West Virginia University. The institution assumed its current name, Potomac State College of West Virginia University, in 1951. Since then, it has served as a regional campus of WVU. While its academic and administrative services are coordinated through the university in Morgantown, the college retains responsibility for budgetary support of its programs and activities.

Academic Programs and Offerings

Potomac State College offers a range of academic programs designed to cater to diverse student interests and career aspirations. The college provides 16 degree programs at the two-year associate level, including agriculture, business, criminal justice, and the arts and sciences. In addition to associate degrees, Potomac State offers Bachelor of Applied Science degrees along with the Regents bachelor's degree. These programs provide students with a pathway to further their education and career prospects. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 18-to-1. The highest degree offered at Potomac State College of West Virginia University is an associate degree. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 13 different fields. Popular programs include: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Business Administration and Management, General, and Education, General.

Campus Facilities and Resources

Potomac State College boasts a comprehensive campus with a variety of facilities and resources to support student learning and development. In addition to academic buildings, the campus includes two residence halls, a conference center, a performing arts center, a recreation center, a gymnasium, and athletic fields.

Key Campus Buildings and Facilities

Davis Hall: Named in honor of Thomas B. Davis, this building was completed in 1916 and served as a temporary location for operations after the fire in 1917.
Administration Building: The new Administration Building was completed in 1919 and housed the library on the first floor.
Mary F. Reynolds Hall: Completed in 1925, this hall is named after WV Senator E. B. Reynolds and served as a women’s residence hall and gymnasium.
Lough Gymnasium: Completed in 1928, this gymnasium is named in honor of Coach Dana G. Lough.
Science Hall: Completed in 1951, Science Hall houses laboratories and classrooms for the sciences.
Mary F. Shipper Library: Constructed in 1961 and dedicated in 1976 to Mary Fravel Shipper, the long-time library director, this library is the third in the college's history.
Friend Hall: Completed in 1962, this residence hall is named in honor of Lloyd L. Friend, the first principal of the West Virginia Preparatory School.
Academy Hall: Completed in 1968, Academy Hall houses classrooms and offices.
Golden Park: The college’s baseball field, completed in 2002, is named after the Golden Family.
University Place: Completed in 2007, University Place houses students, offices, two dining facilities, study/social lounges, and a movie theater.
Indoor Riding Arena: Completed in 2008, this facility is sometimes referred to as the Equine Facility.
Recreation Center: Located in the J. Edward Kelley Complex, this center was formerly used as the National Guard Armory until its closure in 2015.
J. Davis Conference Center: A historic building on campus, this center was renovated in 2023 and serves as a conference center for the college and the local communities.
Starcher Agriculture Complex: Named after former professor Don Starcher, this complex supports the college's agriculture programs.
Gustafson Farm: This 368-acre farm serves as a mixed-use production farm and teaching lab and houses the college's goat operation.
Malone Farm: Named after former Agriculture professor Kenneth M. Malone.
Dermer Farm: Named after the Dermer Family who once owned the farm.

Student Life and Activities

Potomac State College offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of activities, clubs, events, and educational opportunities outside of the classroom. The Office of Student Experience plays a key role in providing these opportunities.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Catamounts, compete in various sports. The baseball team competes on the NJCAA Division I level, while the remainder of the programs compete on the NJCAA Division II level. The Catamount Esports program has earned various championships in the variety of collegiate leagues they participate in. Baseball has competed in seven NJCAA World Series: 1993, 1994, 1995, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011; winning the National Championship at the 1995 JUCO World Series. Men’s basketball reached No. 1 National ranking during the 2018-2019 season.

Clubs and Organizations

Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, catering to diverse interests and passions. These clubs provide opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, and social interaction. Recently named Outstanding Student of the Year, Hartley has made an unforgettable impact at PSC. As vice-president of both the Student Government Association and the Ag and Forestry Club, she has been a standout leader and advocate for her peers.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Potomac State College has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. There is no application fee.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-state tuition and fees were $4,608, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $11,760. At Potomac State College of West Virginia University, 72 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $5,837.

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