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 Josie Crawford in from of a wooded background

Josie Crawford '24

Biology Major with Biomedical Sciences Emphasis

Zoey Shamblin outside University Point

Zoey Shamblin

Sociology Major with Criminology Emphasis

Summer McElwain in front of a neutral background

Summer McElwain

Class of 2021

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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Recent News

CONCORD EARNS PURPLE STAR RANK, OTHERS FOR SUPPORTING VETERANS

APPALACHIAN SHAKESPEARE PROJECT TO DEBUT ‘A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM’ JULY 17

Students walking around Concord University's campus

CU EXPANDS PRESENCE ON 2026-’27 COLLEGES OF DISTINCTION ROSTER

Students walking outside Marsh Library

CU ANNOUNCES SPRING DEAN’S LIST

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