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 College are designed to enhance its unique mission.
Mission Statement
The mission of Bluefield State College, 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 College is committed to being the region’s leading institution of higher education. Embracing the diversity that shapes our world, the College 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 College 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.
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