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 Nicholas Gonzales in the alumni lounge

Nicholas Gonzales

Class of 2005

A photo of Scott Inghram in front of a gazebo on Concord University's campus

Dr. Scott Inghram '03

MSW Program Director and Associate Professor

A photo of Josi Ervin wearing her CU Softball Uniform

Josi Ervin

Health Science Major

A photo of Marcus Murrell inside the Admissions Office
Marcus Murrell '17
Admissions Counselor

Marcus works to help new students through the enrollment process so that their transition to life at CU is easy, yet memorable. As an alum, Marcus knows first-hand the high quality and affordable education Concord offers, but that wasn’t all that drew him to the university. Marcus says it started in high school with his very first visit: “Although I was still in high school, I felt my presence was welcomed all over campus. This sense of individual welcoming on campus remained with me for the next four years.” Now that Marcus is an Admissions Counselor, he can share his experience with other prospective students. Call today and let Marcus tell you how CU is here for you. “From my first visit on campus, I felt like I mattered.”

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Concord University students walking around the Campus Beautiful on a sunny day

SCHOLARS OF DISTINCTION SHARE GOALS AND HOW CU SUPPORTS THEM

Concord University MSW graduate receiving his masters hood during commencement

CONCORD MSW GRADS CHOOSE TO SERVE CLOSE TO HOME

CU Day at the Legislature March 3 2026

CU DAY AT LEGISLATURE: MOUNTAIN LIONS EAGER TO SHARE IMPACT

Three CU Social Work grads posing in their regalia

CU SOCIAL WORK GRADS CARRY ‘THEIR KIDS’ TO COMMENCEMENT