Southern West Virginia Community College
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Southern West Virginia Community College (Southern) is a community college in the economically depressed coal producing region of southwestern West Virginia.
[edit] History
The school was founded as the Logan Branch of Marshall College and the Williamson Branch of Marshall College in 1960 and renamed as branches of Marshall University when their mother institution finally achieved university status in 1961. It had community college jurisdiction over Logan County and Mingo County. In both cases, the schools were housed in the recently abandoned buildings that had previously held public high schools for African-Americans, these having been surplussed by the desegregation of public education.
In 1970, the two branches were merged and spun off as a stand-alone community college. The college's jurisdiction was expanded to include Boone County and Wyoming County. Classes in these counties were held in rented locations. In 1971, a permanent building was constructed in Williamson.
In the 1980s, the college was refocused and permanent buildings were built in each county.
[edit] Today
Southern provides both associates degrees in 2-year fields, and the first two years of a four year degree, in the anticipation of a transfer to a bachelor's level institution. The colleges, under its 2+2 program also hosts upper-level Marshall classes in its buildings, making it possible to earn a 4-year degree on its campuses, although most students do not do so in four calendar years. It also hosts classes of the Marshall University Graduate College.
The service area of the school was expanded by 1995 legislation that divided West Virginia into eleven districts. Southern serves part of Raleigh County as well as all of Boone, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming Counties. An agreement with Kentucky also allows for service in Pike County and Martin County.
Approximately 2,000 students are enrolled. Almost all of them attend part time, and the vast majority are much older than traditional college age.
The school has no residential programs, and no athletics. It does have school colors, magenta and teal.
