Published: May 03, 2008 10:36 pm         

MSU is special

75th anniversary celebration perfect time for acknowledging institution’s importance

In today’s edition of The Register-Herald, a special 28-page publication is included which recognizes the 75th anniversary of the former Beckley College and College of West Virginia, now known as Mountain State University.

Over the last eight decades the institution of higher learning has grown from a tiny junior college to a thriving four-year university.

Most of the significant upgrades have taken place during the last 15 years or so under the direction of MSU President Dr. Charles H. Polk.

Under Polk’s guidance, MSU has become a bustling operation that has infused life not only into uptown Beckley, but also into satellite campuses located in the Eastern Panhandle, the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Orlando and now Hickory, N.C.

Locally, the academic offerings have improved dramatically in the past decade and many programs are recognized statewide and nationally for their quality.

And while it’s not the direct mission of a university, the positive economic impact Raleigh County has realized from MSU’s continuing expansion and investment of millions, well, we shudder to think what uptown might be like without the students, faculty, staff and top-of-the-line instructional facilities.

As MSU prepares for commencement this weekend, there is no better time to reflect on the past, acknowledge the significant progress and look forward to the bright future the university offers to so many.

We thank Dr. Polk, and each and every person associated with the university, for making Beckley and Raleigh County a better place to live, learn and work.