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. George Williams '11
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.”

A photo of George Williams on Concord University's Campus

Dr. George Williams '11

Assistant Professor of English / Director of Veteran Services

A photo of Dr. Tom McKenna seated inside University Point

Dr. Thomas McKenna

Professor of Philosophy and History

A photo of Dr. Tracy Luff in front of Marsh Hall

Dr. Tracy Luff

Professor of Sociology & Director of Honors Program

A photo of Jonathan Berkey in front of a neutral background

Dr. Jonathan Berkey

Professor of History

Zoey Shamblin outside University Point
Zoey Shamblin
Sociology Major with Criminology Emphasis

Zoey Shamblin, class of 2027, is studying sociology with a criminology emphasis and a minor in substance abuse. She is the first-generation college student in her family, having graduated from Poca High School in 2023. She began her collegiate studies in August and quickly became immersed in campus life. She became an arbiter for Concord's Student Government Association, joined Alpha Psi Omega's theatre fraternity and served as Assistant Stage Manager for the 2023 production of The Thanksgiving Play. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in criminology, either as a correctional officer or as a police officer. She is grateful for the opportunities she’s had already on The Campus Beautiful, such as visiting Alderson prison, and meeting a federal magistrate judge. She credits her “amazing professor”, Lori Pace for opening doors to these experiences, which helped her discover her passion. Zoey is an avid traveler and loves to learn about unfamiliar cultures. She’s visited Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, and France. She names Swiss Alps as her favorite saying, “The beautiful mountains reminded me of my country roads home.”

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Recent News

REENTRY SIMULATION NAVIGATES LIFE AFTER INCARCERATION

The Shires Family together in front of a patterned wallpaper

CONCORD EDUCATION LEGACY RUNS STRONG IN SHIRES FAMILY

Bryan Henderson with his family in front of a stone wall

BRYAN HENDERSON ’08 CREDITS CU WITH COURAGE IN COURTROOM

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

ALUMNI WEEKEND, DAY OF SERVICE SET FOR APRIL 25