Founded in 1891, West Virginia State University is one of 19 institutions empowered by Congress to provide further education opportunities to the United States' black citizens. Today, West Virginia State serves a diverse student body, representing a wide range of ages, races, and backgrounds.
West Virginia State University prides itself on being diverse and inclusive. They truly care about the wellbeing of their employees, and they know that a welcoming and supportive environment is the key to employee satisfaction. Just like their student population, West Virginia State's staff have diverse beliefs, experiences, and personal and professional backgrounds. West Virginia State doesn't just accept that diversity. They encourage and foster an environment that celebrates diversity, and they work to make sure that every voice is heard.
A diverse staff and student body has diverse needs, and West Virginia State is focused on delivering the best, most relevant programs and services for their diverse population. They are constantly adding new programs to better serve the needs of their students and local community. For example, in response to the states growing opioid crisis, West Virginia State added a BS in Nursing Program.
As a land-grant institution - an institution with federally-granted lands established to teach practical sciences, like agriculture, military science, and engineering - West Virginia State focuses on solving real world problems. As Justin Cherry, Assistant Vice President for Business and Human Resources says, "Being a land-grant university, our faculty and staff deploy knowledge and education to address global challenges and improve the quality of life for people in the state of West Virginia and around the world, in keeping with our historic commitment to service and engagement." Like a liberal arts institution, West Virginia State University provides a full spectrum of educational opportunities, but it focuses on programs with practical applications.
The faculty and administrative staff at West Virginia State love their job. On average, Americans usually stay at a job for 4.6 years. But employees at West Virginia State stay with the university for an average of 12.8 years. Working at West Virginia State is rewarding and fulfilling. Faculty and admin staff get to help students find their passion, find their place in the world. West Virginia State isn't just a workplace, it's a community. It's a vibrant community that is alive with possibilities, promise, and true impact. And it has even graduated important figures in America's history, like basketball player Earl Lloyd who was the first African American in the NBA and NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson whose work was critical to the success of America's first space flights.
Justin Cherry, a current staff member and West Virginia State alum, says, "To this day, West Virginia State University continues to provide opportunities to folks who ordinarily would not have the opportunity to earn a degree. Since its creation, State has played a role in transforming the lives of generations of families, and served as the springboard for thousands of successful careers. I think we are unique in the sense that we have transformed what this institution is about as you know it was founded as an institution for descendants of slaves but it has evolved to be an institution for all people, from all races, religions, backgrounds and ages."
Life on a college campus is never boring. There is always something to do, a never ending calendar of events on and around campus. Plus, West Virginia State has some great sports teams. Employees can attend Yellow Jackets games for free. And if you prefer something a little quieter, you can still go to free yoga and meditation classes. And for those who want to connect more with the surrounding Charleston community, West Virginia State has a variety of volunteering opportunities, including their annual Cares Day. Every April, the university set up over 30 worksites through the surrounding community. Jack Bailey, Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing, says, "This past year we had 35 worksites where we spent our Saturday doing what each community needed, from painting to building to gardening. It really brings faculty, staff, and students together to work on a common cause."
When you want to take a break from all of the things to do on and around campus, staff at West Virginia State get plenty of time off to take out of town vacations. West Virginia State University has fantastic work-life balance. In general, when students get time off, employees get time off. That means a full week off for Thanksgiving, two weeks off for Winter Break, and shortened hours during the summer.
