General University Information

History

To serve the racially segregated public schools in the coal camps, progressive citizens of both races worked together to establish Bluefield Colored Institute, a “high graded school for Negroes,” in 1895. The institution thereafter evolved into a black teacher’s college, adopting formal teacher training in 1909 and was renamed “Bluefield State Teachers College” in 1931. The name “Bluefield State College” was adopted in 1943, reflecting a growth in the number and diversity of the institution’s academic programs.

Bluefield State College was integrated after 1954. By the 1960s, the College had a comprehensive four-year program of teacher education, arts and sciences, and engineering technology. Gradually, a variety of two-year technical programs evolved in response to local needs.

Bluefield State College has emerged as a four-year state supported college with a primary academic emphasis in professional and technical programs. The liberal arts offerings of the University are designed to enhance its unique mission.

Mission Statement

The mission of Bluefield State University, a historically black institution, is to prepare students for diverse professions, informed citizenship, community involvement, and public service in an ever-changing global society by providing an affordable, accessible opportunity for public higher education through certificate, associate, bachelor, and master degree programs.

Vision Statement

Bluefield State University is committed to being the region’s leading institution of higher education. Embracing the diversity that shapes our world, the University strives to assist students from all walks of life to achieve their personal and professional goals. Using the expertise of faculty and staff, along with the commitment of its students and alumni, Bluefield State University will continue to strive for excellence in learning, service to the community, and advancements in research. Proficiency in these areas enables the Institution and its graduates to make important contributions at the community, state, national, and global levels.

Core Values

Excellence

We value and are dedicated to excellence in our faculty, staff, and students, programmatic offerings, support services, research, and service to our world.

Community

We value and are dedicated to the development and enhancement of a sense of community, mutual respect, and collaboration among our faculty, staff, students and the greater community we serve.

Diversity

We value and are dedicated to the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students, programmatic offerings, and co-curricular opportunities.

Growth

We value and are dedicated to the intellectual, personal, ethical, and cultural growth of our faculty, staff, and students and to providing those opportunities for growth and continuous improvement throughout our community.

Equal Opportunity Policy

It shall be the policy of Bluefield State University to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants and to prohibit discrimination or harassment against any such individuals on the basis of protected characteristics. The University considers race, color, religion, creed, political belief or affiliation, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity and expression, and veteran status as protected characteristics and will not permit discrimination or harassment against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of any such characteristic. The University will conform both to the letter and the spirit of the law and regulations with respect to prohibiting any such discrimination or harassment and will engage in affirmative action to employ, advance in employment and treat all qualified persons without discrimination in any employment practices. Full language for Bluefield State University Policy No. 55 “Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action” may be found at https://bluefieldstate.edu/resources/human-resources. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal opportunity/affirmative action policy may be directed to the Office of Human Resources, Bluefield State University, 219 Rock St., Bluefield, WV 24701.

Copies of the above referenced policy, the Affirmative Action Plan and the Bluefield State University Section 504 Self Evaluation and Transition Plan are available for review in the William B. Robertson Library. Grievance procedures for students are printed in the Bluefield State University Student Handbook and Academic Planner. Accessibility to programs and facilities for disabled students should be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Bluefield State University, 219 Rock St., Bluefield, WV 24701.

Membership in the Bluefield State College Alumni Association is open to graduates of the College and former students who attended for at least one term and left in good standing.

The Association supports programs and services for students, the community and alumni. Chapters schedule active scholarship incentive fund raising projects, student recruitment, and high school outreach events. More information can be found on the Alumni Association webpage or inquiries should be sent to Bluefield State College Alumni Association, 219 Rock St., Bluefield, West Virginia 24701.

Correspondence Directory

To be assured of a prompt reply, correspondence should be addressed as indicated below:

Bluefield State University
219 Rock Street
Bluefield, West Virginia 24701-2198
Telephone: (304) 327-4000
WV Residents 1(800) 344-8892
Out of State 1(800) 654-7798
Fax (304) 325-7747
Website www.bluefieldstate.edu

Correspondence should be addressed as follows: