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 Josi Ervin wearing her CU Softball Uniform

Josi Ervin

Health Science Major

A photo of Shannon Phipps wearing a Concord University Nursing Program hoodie

Shannon Phipps

Nursing Major with Psychology Minor

A photo of Jade Gravley on Concord University's campus

Jade Gravely '18

Beckley, WV

Rachel Clay
Nursing Major

Rachel is from Beckley, WV, and graduated from Liberty High School in 2016. She attended Concord from 2016-2020, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Sociology and Health Promotion. After graduating, she worked for several years as a teacher and cheerleading coach, but always wanted to pursue a degree in nursing. When Concord announced the BA/BS to BSN program, Rachel applied and came back to campus in August 2023. It’s a decision she does not regret. “The nursing program has been such a wonderful experience. The professors are extremely helpful and my fellow nursing students and I have become very close. The friendships we have created will continue to grow throughout our time at Concord, and they will be lifelong friends.” She continues her work as a cheerleading coach in Raleigh County, which is one of her favorite things to do. She also loves to read and spend time outdoors.

Upcoming Events