BEAVER, W.Va. — The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center cut the cake on Friday marking ten years in operation.
Located along I-64 in Beaver, the school provides a unique academic setting for students of all ages. Opened in 2007, the center pledges to offer convenient higher education opportunities to southern West Virginia. It combines the institutions of Bluefield State College, Concord University, Marshall University and New River Community & Technical College. Students are able to complete classes, degrees and certifications locally without traveling to each institution’s main campus.
Several notable speakers attended the event which took place in the main hall of the facility They included representatives from all four schools involved. Students in attendance could apply for one of 30 scholarships available, ten from each school. Chancellor of Higher Education for West Virginia Dr. Paul Hill said it’s been a special process since the idea of the center was first conceived.
“I think it’s very symbolic as this started out as an experiment to see if we could have a shared facility,” Hill said. “Seeing that it has grown, it’s very rewarding.”
The center has grown to serve roughly 700 students. Hill says the job market in West Virginia is predicted to change in the coming years. 51 percent of jobs coming into the state will need some form of a higher education. Only 30 percent of West Virginians hold such an education.
“It’s extremely important that we get more students, whether they be non-traditional or students out of high school. We need to serve the entire population of the state better and this facility really helps us do just that.”
The one-of-a-kind collaboration allows students to complete a diverse selection of programs including nursing, teaching, business, criminal justice and social work to name a few.
“Between these two buildings, you can get the full compliment of academic education all the way through a master’s degree”, Hill added.
Among the festivities was a time capsule to be opened in 2027 for the 20th anniversary. Several in attendance placed messages in the silver tube. Erma Byrd’s administration is anticipating even more growth in the coming years. Concord University Executive Director at Erma Byrd Susan Williams said during her speech the center offers a diverse range of services that will keep growing in the future.
“This building allows us the services and the stability to serve our students in a way that was otherwise difficult,” she explained. “We’re able to offer a full student experience with activities, technical support and academic support.”
The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center is managed by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. It is located at 300 University Drive in Beaver, Raleigh County.