Concord University (Concord) is a public university in Athens, West Virginia. It was founded on February 28, 1872, when the West Virginia Legislature passed "an Act to locate a Branch State Normal School, in the town of Concord Church, in the County of Mercer". This normal school was founded by veterans of both the Union and the Confederacy, Concord is named for the ideal of "harmony and sweet fellowship". It is known for its picturesque campus which has been dubbed "The Campus Beautiful" and its scenic location on a knoll overlooking the mountains in the area. The university also operates a center and conducts classes in Beckley, West Virginia. History Year — Selected events 1872 — West Virginia State Legislature establishes the name of Concord for the new school 1875 — Classes start with 70 students 1887 — State funds provide for a new brick building on the site of the present Athens Middle School 1896 — Another post office in Concord, Hampshire County, West Virginia was called "Concord;" therefore, the town's name is changed to "Athens" after the Greek city and a center of learning 1910 — Fire destroys the original brick building and the campus is moved to its present site 1912 — A new building was erected, called Old Main, which is currently known as Marsh Hall 1918 — Start of expansion with new residence halls, gymnasium, as well as academic programs 1931 — Name changed to "Concord State Teachers College" 1943 — Name changed to "Concord College" and the United States Army Air Corps 15th College Training Detachment uses the campus 1945 — Start of postwar enrollment growth and expansion of the physical plant, including a new Science Building 1959 – Expansion of campus continues (College Center, student, and faculty housing) as well as of the curriculum emphasizing quality and a cosmopolitan faculty 1973 – West Virginia Board of Regents and the State Legislature propose to merge Concord and Bluefield State Colleges 1976 – The administrative merger is abandoned and Concord's enrollment increases with new academic programs 2004 – Name changed to "Concord University" Academics Concord offers numerous undergraduate programs in 11 emphasis areas and 6 graduate programs: Master of Education, Master of Social Work, Master of Arts in Health Promotion, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Athletic Training, and Master of Business Administration. Colleges and departments The university is organized into three units. College