A History of WVU Parkersburg
WVU Parkersburg was founded in 1961 as the Parkersburg Branch of West Virginia University. In 1971, it became Parkersburg Community College, one of the state’s first comprehensive community colleges. Three years later, the college established its Jackson County Center in Ripley. The institution was renamed West Virginia University at Parkersburg in 1989 and rejoined WVU as a regional campus. State legislation created a statewide network of independently-accredited community and technical colleges in 2008. This allowed WVU Parkersburg to become an independent institution while maintaining affiliation with WVU.
College Bell
The college bell is originally from the Emerson Avenue school building where the Parkersburg Branch of West Virginia was established in the fall of 1961. It is used in campus ceremonies, including Commencement.