WVU President Clements stays true to University’s land grant roots after 145 years

West Virginia University celebrated 145 years Tuesday.

Students, faculty and staff enjoyed free cake and discounts in the Mountainlair Commons Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the University's birthday.

WVU was born Feb. 7, 1867 through, the Morrill Land-Grant College Act of 1862 – an act of Congress which offered federally-owned land to states that agreed to establish colleges to teach agriculture and the mechanical arts.

In 1863, the state legislature voted to accept a grant of land totaling 150,000 acres from the federal government, and funds from the sale of this land were used to establish WVU.

WVU President James P. Clements said after 145 years, the University is proud of its history as a land grant university and remains dedicated to its mission of promoting access to higher education and applying research to meet the needs of West Virginians.

"The University is doing great. We're at an all-time high on a lot of measures, but the really good thing is that we remain dedicated and true to our land grant roots," Clements aid. "Even after 145 years, we're still promoting higher education, applying research to solve real-world needs and helping the state of West Virginia."

Clements said the 2020 Strategic Plan for the Future will only better students, staff and the WVU community with its plans of quality academic programs, globalization, innovation and research.

"This is an excellent strategic vision. We are a national leader in a lot of things. I think we're serving people as we always have, but doing it even bigger and better," he said. "Students are competing with people from around the world for jobs, education and opportunities, and I think we serve our state better than anybody. We've got a lot going on, but most of it comes back to benefitting the state and our region."

WVU Student Government Association President Jason Bailey said he believes there's nothing better than being a Mountaineer.

"There's really nothing that's not great about being a WVU student. We have top-rate academics, athletics, research and study abroad opportunities –the list goes on and on," Bailey said. "The feeling of Mountaineer pride is unmatched by any other in the world."

Bailey, a political science student in his fifth year at WVU, said he knows he's not the only one who feels this kind of Mountaineer pride, though.

"I can easily say I would never have had the opportunities I've had here at any other institution. Any WVU student or alum knows exactly what I mean," he said. "We are all so lucky to have the chance to study at an institution like this. The opportunities and people here make it such a unique place. It would be hard to find another WVU student that feels any differently."