About Concord University
For more than 150 years, Concord University has served the southern region of West Virginia, southwest Virginia and beyond, educating teachers, business leaders, scientists, social workers, as well as future medical and legal professionals. With a 14:1 student to faculty ratio and over 70 programs of study, Concord provides you with a quality education no matter what you choose.
Featured Stories
Assistant Professor/Training Manager
Dr. Samantha Byrd began at Concord as an adjunct professor in the Masters of Social Work program in 2020, and was advanced to a full-time position in 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Concord in 2016, and her Masters of Social Work degree in 2018, also from Concord. She went on to the University of Kentucky to earn her Doctor of Social Work degree in 2023. Dr. Byrd has practice experience in child and adolescent mental health, grant management, and foster parent training. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) interventions. In addition to teaching, Samantha volunteers in the counseling center at Concord, and provides community service in various ways. She founded and manages a foster closet and foster parent support group, and serves on the board of directors for Child Protect of Mercer County. She says of her most memorable experience at CU, “Since starting in academia, I have had the pleasure of working in different capacities with some of the professors and mentors I had during my time as a student at CU. It is incredible to see how everyone comes together behind the scenes to support students in various ways.”
Dr. Samantha Byrd, DSW, MSW, LGSW, '16 '18
Assistant Professor/Training Manager
Brian Arnold '09
Bluefield, WV
Adam Cook '18
Bradley, WV
Rachel Clay
Nursing Major
Class of 2021
Summer McElwain attended Concord University from 2018-2021, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology. As part of her CU experience, she participated in PATCH (Pre-professional Association Towards Careers in Health), which provides students with resources to make informed decisions about future careers in healthcare. Upon graduation, she went to the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine to continue her studies. Her most memorable experience at Concord was working in the bookstore. “I really enjoyed getting to see faculty, staff and students in a different environment. That experience really helped me open up and adjust to college.” Summer’s sister is currently attending Concord, and participates on the esports team.
