Concord University is a comprehensive, public, liberal arts institution located in Athens, West Virginia, United States, founded on February 28, 1872, when the West Virginia Legislature passed "an Act to locate a Branch State Normal School, in Concord Church, in the County of Mercer".Founded by veterans of both the Union and the Confederacy, Concord is named for the ideal of "harmony and sweet fellowship".It is known for its picturesque campus which has been dubbed "The Campus Beautiful". The University also operates a center and conducts classes in Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia.The university owns and operates low-power radio station WVCU-LP.HistoryYear — Selected events1872 — West Virginia State Legislature establishes the name of Concord for the new school1875 — Classes start with 70 students1887 — State funds provide for a new brick building on the site of the present Athens Middle School1896 — Another post office in Hampshire County, West Virginia was called "Concord;" therefore, the town's name is changed to "Athens" after the Greek city and a center of learning1910 — Fire destroys the original brick building and the campus is moved to its present site1912 — A new building erected, called Old Main, which is currently known as Marsh Hall1918 — Start of expansion with new residence halls, gymnasium, as well as academic programs1931 — Name changed to "Concord State Teachers College"1943 — Name changed to "Concord College" and the United States Army Air Corps 15th College Training Detachment uses the campus1945 — Start of postwar enrollment growth and expansion of physical plant, including a new Science Building1959 – Expansion of campus continues (College Center, student and faculty housing) as well as of the curriculum emphasizing quality and a cosmopolitan faculty1973 – West Virginia Board of Regents and the State Legislature propose to merge Concord and Bluefield State Colleges1976 – The administrative merger is abandoned and Concord's enrollment increases with new academic programs2004 – Name changed to "Concord University"
