Morgantown,WV – A pivotal piece of West Virginia University’s heritage is now accessible to the public. The original 1867 Deed establishing West Virginia University is currently on display at the West Virginia & Regional History Center within the Downtown Library on the university’s campus.
The unveiling of this foundational document directly reflects the commitment of West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson to highlight and celebrate the institution’s extensive history. This initiative aims to connect current students, faculty, and the broader community with the University’s origins.
A Tangible Link to the Past
Table of Contents
- 1. A Tangible Link to the Past
- 2. The Importance of the Deed
- 3. Preserving University History: A Growing Trend
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions About the WVU Deed
- 5. How did the shift from covering basic campus news in the late 19th/early 20th century to investigative journalism during the 1960s-1980s reflect broader societal changes?
- 6. west Virginia University’s Journey from Student Activism to Content Writing: A Historical Insight into UNews Evolution
- 7. The Early Days: Student Voices and The Daily Athenaeum (1887-1960s)
- 8. The Rise of Student Protests and Investigative Journalism (1960s-1980s)
- 9. The Digital Transition: From Print to Online (1990s-2010s)
- 10. UNews Today: Content Strategy and Modern Storytelling (2010s-Present)
- 11. The Role of Student Involvement in Modern UNews
The 1867 deed represents more than just a legal document; it embodies the vision and determination that led to the creation of WVU.Its display offers a rare opportunity to examine a physical artifact directly tied to the university’s beginnings, providing a deeper understanding of its formative years.
This exhibit coincides with the return of students for the new academic year, making it a particularly meaningful addition to Welcome Week activities. It provides an immediate immersion into the rich legacy of the university they are now a part of.
The Importance of the Deed
Signed on February 27, 1867, the deed officially established West Virginia University as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1862. This act, championed by congressman Justin Smith Morrill, provided federal funds to establish colleges focusing on agriculture and mechanical arts. Learn more about the Morrill Act.
Historically,The West Virginia & Regional History Center has been a key repository for preserving and showcasing the state’s cultural and ancient treasures.This exhibit reinforces its role as a vital learning resource for the University and the State.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Document | Original 1867 Deed to West Virginia University |
| Location | WVU Downtown Library, West Virginia & Regional History Center |
| Initiative Inspired By | WVU President Michael T. Benson’s focus on University history |
| Legal basis | Morrill Act of 1862 |
Did You Know? The Morrill Act not only established land-grant colleges, but fundamentally reshaped higher education in the United States, making it more accessible to a wider range of citizens.
Pro tip Plan your visit to the West Virginia & Regional History center to coincide with other campus events for a more thorough Welcome Week experience.
What does this exhibit mean to you as a member of the WVU community? how critically important is it to connect with a university’s history?
Preserving University History: A Growing Trend
Across the nation,universities are increasingly recognizing the value of preserving and showcasing their historical documents and artifacts. Institutions like Harvard University and Yale University have invested heavily in digital archives and physical exhibitions to make their histories more accessible.A 2023 study by the American Council on Education showed a 15% increase in funding for university archives over the past five years, indicating a growing commitment to preserving institutional memory.
This trend reflects a broader societal emphasis on heritage and the importance of understanding the past to shape the future. By making historical resources available to students and the wider community, universities can foster a sense of belonging, inspire research, and promote informed civic engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions About the WVU Deed
Share your thoughts on this exciting historical reveal! Leave a comment below and let us know what WVU’s history means to you.
How did the shift from covering basic campus news in the late 19th/early 20th century to investigative journalism during the 1960s-1980s reflect broader societal changes?
west Virginia University’s Journey from Student Activism to Content Writing: A Historical Insight into UNews Evolution
The Early Days: Student Voices and The Daily Athenaeum (1887-1960s)
West Virginia University’s (WVU) story with student journalism, and ultimately content creation, begins with The Daily Athenaeum, established in 1887. Initially, it wasn’t about polished content marketing or digital storytelling; it was about a platform for student voices. Early editions focused heavily on campus news, debates, and – crucially – student activism.
late 19th/early 20th Century Focus: Coverage of curriculum changes, faculty appointments, and the burgeoning athletic programs.
Activism’s Roots: the paper served as a key outlet for discussions surrounding social issues, often reflecting the national conversations of the time. Think debates around suffrage, prohibition, and early labor movements impacting West Virginia.
Limited Reach: Distribution was primarily campus-based, relying on physical copies and word-of-mouth. This meant a localized impact, but a powerful one within the WVU community.
This period established a precedent for student media as a catalyst for change and a vital source of data – foundational elements for the university news landscape to come.
The Rise of Student Protests and Investigative Journalism (1960s-1980s)
The 1960s and 70s witnessed a surge in student activism across the nation, and WVU was no exception. The Daily Athenaeum became central to documenting and, at times, fueling these movements. This era saw a shift towards more investigative journalism and critical reporting.
Vietnam War Protests: Extensive coverage of anti-war demonstrations on campus, including student strikes and rallies. The paper provided a platform for diverse viewpoints.
Civil Rights Movement: Reporting on local and national civil rights issues, and the evolving dialog on race relations within the WVU community.
Campus Governance: Increased scrutiny of university administration and policies,with students demanding greater representation and clarity.
Emergence of Photography: The increasing use of photography in the Athenaeum added a powerful visual dimension to reporting, enhancing the impact of stories and documenting events for posterity.
This period honed the skills of student journalists in news reporting, feature writing, and editorial content creation – skills that would prove invaluable as the media landscape evolved.
The Digital Transition: From Print to Online (1990s-2010s)
The advent of the internet dramatically altered the landscape of student media. WVU, like many universities, began experimenting with online platforms in the 1990s. This transition wasn’t seamless, but it was essential.
Early websites: Initial WVU news websites were often basic, serving as online repositories for print content.
The Rise of UNews: The formal establishment of UNews (WVU News) as a dedicated university news service marked a important step. This centralized approach aimed to streamline university communications and enhance it’s public image.
Multimedia Integration: The introduction of audio and video content broadened the scope of storytelling, moving beyond traditional text-based journalism.
Social Media Experimentation: Early adoption of platforms like Facebook and Twitter to disseminate news and engage with the WVU community.
This phase required students and staff to learn new skills in web content management, SEO basics, and social media marketing. The focus shifted from simply reporting news to distributing it effectively.
UNews Today: Content Strategy and Modern Storytelling (2010s-Present)
Today, UNews is a refined content hub for West Virginia University. it’s no longer just about reporting events; it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that showcases WVU’s achievements, research, and impact.
Strategic Content Planning: UNews employs a dedicated content strategy, aligning its output with the university’s overall marketing and communications goals.
Diverse Content Formats: Articles, videos, podcasts, photo galleries, and interactive features are all utilized to engage different audiences.
Data-Driven Insights: Analytics are used to track content performance and optimize strategies for maximum reach and impact. Content analytics play a crucial role.
Emphasis on Visual Storytelling: High-quality photography and videography are integral to UNews’s brand identity.
brand Journalism: UNews increasingly practices brand journalism, telling stories that highlight WVU’s values and expertise.
Crisis Dialogue: UNews plays a vital role in managing the university’s reputation during times of crisis, providing timely and accurate information to the public.
The Role of Student Involvement in Modern UNews
While UNews is a professional operation, student involvement remains crucial.
Internship opportunities: UNews provides valuable internship opportunities for journalism and communications students, offering hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
Student Contributors: Students continue to contribute articles, photos, and videos to UNews, providing a fresh outlook and covering campus events.
Training and Mentorship: UNews staff provide training and mentorship to student contributors, helping them develop their skills and build their portfolios.
* The Future of Journalism: UNews serves as a training ground for the next generation of digital journalists
