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
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.”
Dr. Samantha Byrd, DSW, MSW, LGSW, '16 '18
Assistant Professor/Training Manager
Dr. George Williams '11
Assistant Professor of English / Director of Veteran Services
Miranda Martin '09
Director of Institutional Research & Data Services
Dr. Michael Bean
Assistant Professor of Education
Princeton, W.Va.
Shawn is a second generation Mountain Lion, but that is only one detail that finalized his decision to choose CU after graduating from Pikeview High School in 2017. The university also had the program of study he wanted, and its location meant Shawn could commute to save money. He graduated in fall 2020 with a Business Administration degree with concentrations in management and finance. When Shawn wasn't in class, you could find him working in the business office as a work-study in the Accounts Payable office. Shawn says the real life experiences that professors share and the work experience he has received at Concord has prepared him for being the CU PCARD/Travel Coordinator. Education aside, Shawn says his favorite part about Concord is the people. “It felt like home from the time I stepped on the campus in 2017,” Shawn says. “Most of everyone is relaxed and will help out if you are in need.”
