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
Beckley, WV
When it came to choosing a college, Jade knew exactly what she wanted. She sought after a school that had a strong academic reputation, was financially reasonable, and she wanted a school where she wouldn't just be a name and face to professors, but a person they truly cared about. Jade found all of that and more at Concord University. From being a voice for her peers on the Student Government Association to her involvement in Greek life, Jade found herself very involved in extracurricular activities at Concord. She credits the academic and extracurricular opportunities she was offered at Concord, that allowed her to come to realize her passion for the legal field. Four years later Jade graduated without any student debt, left Concord with a lifetime of memories, and now continues her journey in law school. It Starts With You. “I will forever be thankful for what Concord University brought me- a 4 year degree without any student debt, acceptance into a great graduate school, and a lifetime of memories.”
Jade Gravely '18
Beckley, WV
Mikayla McMullen '18
Marlinton, WV
Adam Cook '18
Bradley, WV
Dr. Thomas McKenna
Professor of Philosophy and History
Assistant Professor/Training Manager
Dr. Samantha Byrd began at Concord as an adjunct professor in the Masters of Social Work program in 2020, and was advanced to a full-time position in 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Concord in 2016, and her Masters of Social Work degree in 2018, also from Concord. She went on to the University of Kentucky to earn her Doctor of Social Work degree in 2023. Dr. Byrd has practice experience in child and adolescent mental health, grant management, and foster parent training. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) interventions. In addition to teaching, Samantha volunteers in the counseling center at Concord, and provides community service in various ways. She founded and manages a foster closet and foster parent support group, and serves on the board of directors for Child Protect of Mercer County. She says of her most memorable experience at CU, “Since starting in academia, I have had the pleasure of working in different capacities with some of the professors and mentors I had during my time as a student at CU. It is incredible to see how everyone comes together behind the scenes to support students in various ways.”
