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

faculty
Dr. Joan Pendergast
Chair, Department of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator

When Dr. Pendergast was finishing her Ph.D. in Social Work Education at the University of South Carolina, she dreamed of teaching at a school like Concord. “I have wanted to live in the mountains for as long as I can remember,” she says. In 2007, she accepted a tenure-track position at CU and has found a home here. “The campus community is welcoming and accepting,” she says. Before completing her doctoral degree, Dr. Pendergast was a practicing social worker, valuable experience she shares with her students. “When I speak with students about social work, I explain that this is the best job and worst job you can have,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to see how people can change their lives, and it can be discouraging when these changes do not come.” Dr. Pendergast is dedicated to preparing her students for the realities they’ll face after graduation, and says she enjoys “being a small part of their journey.”

A photo of Joan Pendergast in front of the Concord University Bell Tower

Dr. Joan Pendergast

Chair, Department of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator

A photo of Rachel Clay in front of a neutral background

Rachel Clay

Nursing Major

A photo of Marcus Murrell inside the Admissions Office

Marcus Murrell '17

Admissions Counselor

Summer McElwain in front of a neutral background

Summer McElwain

Class of 2021

A photo of Adam Cook in front of the Concord University Bell Tower
Adam Cook '18
Bradley, WV

From a young age Adam was always fascinated by the science of the human body. For as long as he can remember he wanted to pursue some sort of career in medicine. It was during his senior of high school at Greater Beckley Christian, that he went on a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic which in result allowed him to focus on pursuing medical school. However, to make it to medical school, Adam knew he needed a firm undergraduate education for his foundation. He loved the class sizes at Concord University as well as the proximity to his hometown of Bradley, WV. Adam was aware of Concord’s excellent reputation for pre-requisite classes for medical school and four years later, he earned his Bachelor of Science and graduated Cum Laude. Adam is now in medical school pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor. Adam was aware of Concord’s excellent reputation for pre-requisite classes for medical school. It Starts With You. “To be able to make it to medical school, I knew I would need a firm undergraduate education for my foundation.”

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Concord students, employees, and alumni standing in front of the Bonner House on Day of Service

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