West Virginia State University (WVSU) is a public institution just west of Charleston that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and its first doctoral degree, as of 2024. It was founded in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, one of the few Black land-grant schools created under federal law to offer education in farming, trades, and teaching.

Over time, WVSU became a well-respected college, known for strong academics and leadership. In 1927, it became the first Black land-grant college to earn regional accreditation.

After segregation ended in 1954, the school welcomed students of all races. It went through big changes, with enrollment dropping at first, but later growing, mostly with local White students. The school was praised nationally for peaceful integration, though some worried its Black heritage might be lost. Still, WVSU remains the state’s top college for Black student enrollment.

The college became West Virginia State University in 2004 and got its land-grant status back in 1999. Over the years, it has added new programs, including nursing and leadership studies. In 2024, a $50 million state lab for agriculture was approved to be built on campus.

While enrollment has dropped in recent years, WVSU remains proud of its history as a historically Black college.