The mission of Concord University is to improve the lives of our students and communities, through innovative teaching and learning, intellectual and creative activities, and community service and civic engagement.
Featured Stories
Assistant Professor of English / Director of Veteran Services
George joined the Navy at age 17, and then worked for British Aerospace Engineering, where he helped design, install and repair advanced electronic systems on US Navy Ships. Later, he moved his family to Wilmington, NC, where he started his own business focusing on electronic and electrical systems for private yachts. Once his three daughters were grown, he and his wife sold everything and hit the road, eventually settling in Bluefield, WV. Dr. Williams attended Concord University and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy. He and his wife then moved to Scotland, where he earned a Master of Letters (MLitt) in English Literary Studies at the University of Aberdeen. They spent nearly a decade there before returning to West Virginia in 2018 and began working at Concord as an adjunct professor, and finished his PhD from the University of Dundee. He was soon hired as an Assistant Professor of English and the CU Veterans Advocate. When asked about his most memorable experience, he relates, “I was presenting at an international conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, discussing how German author Goethe influenced Sir Walter Scott. After my presentation, my PhD advisor pulled me aside to inform me that I had been mispronouncing Goethe’s name throughout my talk. Embarrassed by my mistake in front of an international audience, I now use this experience as a teaching moment for my students.”

Dr. George Williams '11
Assistant Professor of English / Director of Veteran Services

Allen Smith '05
Director of Admissions

Marcus Murrell '17
Admissions Counselor

Dr. Samantha Byrd, DSW, MSW, LGSW, '16 '18
Assistant Professor/Training Manager

Nursing Major
Rachel is from Beckley, WV, and graduated from Liberty High School in 2016. She attended Concord from 2016-2020, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Sociology and Health Promotion. After graduating, she worked for several years as a teacher and cheerleading coach, but always wanted to pursue a degree in nursing. When Concord announced the BA/BS to BSN program, Rachel applied and came back to campus in August 2023. It’s a decision she does not regret. “The nursing program has been such a wonderful experience. The professors are extremely helpful and my fellow nursing students and I have become very close. The friendships we have created will continue to grow throughout our time at Concord, and they will be lifelong friends.” She continues her work as a cheerleading coach in Raleigh County, which is one of her favorite things to do. She also loves to read and spend time outdoors.