Senate 52

SENATE RESOLUTION 52

(By Senators Weld, Hamilton, and Chapman)

[Introduced February 26, 2026]

Designating February 27, 2026, as West Liberty University Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, West Liberty University was established as West Liberty Academy on March 30, 1837, making it the oldest institution of higher education in the State of West Virginia.  Known as the “Hilltop”, West Liberty University has a rich history of providing students with a comprehensive education from undergraduate to graduate degrees, strengthening communities and West Virginia’s workforce; and

Whereas, West Liberty University serves more than 2,200 students, offering more than 70 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and continues to expand access through online, transfer-friendly, and workforce-aligned programs; and

Whereas, West Liberty University is nationally recognized for its social mobility, ranking among the top regional universities in the south, with 53 percent of its graduates remaining in West Virginia within one year of their graduation, strengthening the state’s economy and communities; and

Whereas, West Liberty University promotes scientific discovery and environmental stewardship through initiatives such as the Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center, a $2M facility dedicated to conserving imperiled aquatic species while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability in central Appalachia; and

Whereas, West Liberty University has made recent investments that include the Hilltop Center for Biomedical Research, the Psychology and Communication Sciences Laboratory, and the Gary E. West Aviation Center, which will help address healthcare, aviation, and scientific workforce gaps in West Virginia; and

Whereas, West Liberty University enriches West Virginia’s cultural life through music, theatre, visual arts, communication, and design programs, including partnerships with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and local schools; and

Whereas, West Liberty University’s athletic teams, known as the Hilltoppers, are charter members of the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference  with student-athletes participating in 16 intercollegiate sports; and

Whereas, West Liberty University alumni continue to make meaningful contributions in business, health care, education, science, public service, and the arts, supporting the vitality of the State of West Virginia; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 27, 2026, as West Liberty University Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the significant contributions of West Liberty University to the State of West Virginia and expresses its appreciation to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters of West Liberty University for their dedication to excellence, innovation, and service; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Dr. Tim Borchers, President of West Liberty University.