West Virginia University (WVU) was founded in 1867 in Morgantown as a land-grant school to focus on agriculture and engineering, with additional subjects, as well. It started with just 124 students. In 1868, the name was changed from the Agricultural College of West Virginia to WVU. The first president, Rev. Alexander Martin, wanted it to become a top school like Harvard or Yale.

Over time, women were admitted, with Harriet Lyon becoming the first female graduate in 1891. WVU also became more diverse, added more programs, and opened new buildings, like Woodburn Hall (pictured), now one of its most iconic.

The university’s sports teams began in the 1890s. WVU football and basketball became very popular, especially in the 1950s, with stars like Sam Huff and Jerry West leading the way.

WVU added medical and research programs, became home to WVU Medicine, and helped bring healthcare to rural areas. The university also developed the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system to help students get around campus.

In the mid-1900s, WVU began to grow rapidly. The G.I. Bill after World War II helped veterans attend college, pushing enrollment over 8,000 by 1948.

WVU became known for important research in areas like energy, medicine, and forensics. It also offers 310 degree programs and has campuses in Beckley and Keyser.

However, in recent years WVU has faced challenges. Enrollment dropped from about 31,000 in 2014 to nearly 22,000 in 2024, and the school faced a $45 million budget shortfall. Experts blamed population decline, rising college costs, school leadership, and fewer students attending college.

Despite these struggles, WVU remains the state’s largest university, with many programs, research centers, and a long tradition of serving West Virginians.