BC Announces Plans to Merge with VCOM
Bluefield College announced on March 19 plans to merge with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM).
Bluefield College will remain a Christian college and its mission statement — to be a Christ-centered learning community developing servant leaders to transform the world — will stay the same. The college will also remain in a covenant relationship as it has since its founding in 1922 with the Baptist General Association of Virginia.
“Nothing will change regarding students’ educational and co-curricular experiences at Bluefield College,” said Dr. David Olive, president of Bluefield College, “with the exception that students will benefit from the capital improvements being made to campus facilities.”
Dr. Olive said that students will see the same faculty and staff currently teaching and serving them now next fall. He added that everyone who is fully committed to the mission of Bluefield College and the success of its students has a place at Bluefield College.
“The exciting aspects of this new alignment with VCOM are limited only by one’s imagination,” he said.
Dr. Olive said part of the reason for the merger is the fact that the landscape in higher education is rapidly changing and there are a number of institutions that are reducing their workforce. Regrettably, he added, a few have even closed. The merger with VCOM, he said, provides BC with more stability for the future.
“The greatest benefits to Bluefield College students, faculty and staff will be the resources that will be available to modernize educational, residential and athletic facilities,” said Dr. Marshall Flowers, BC’s vice president for academic affairs.
As a result of the merger, new marketing strategies will be integrated to grow enrollment and academic programs. New science and health sciences programs will be developed that either provide pathways to medical school or alternative paths to health profession careers.
“Overall, Bluefield College will see an enhancement of academic programs, facilities, and services provided to students,” Dr. Flowers said.
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) is a four-year osteopathic medical school offering the doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. VCOM’s mission is to prepare globally-minded, community-focused physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations and promote research to improve human health. The school has four campuses in Blacksburg, Virginia; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Auburn, Alabama; and Monroe, Louisiana.
Bluefield College currently offers a master of arts degree in biomedical sciences (MABS) on the VCOM campus in Blacksburg. Its purpose is to enhance academics to gain acceptance into a medical school or other healthcare programs through a nine-month, 35-credit hour, face-to-face delivery program. The program places an emphasis on biomedical coursework, research experience, field study, as well as seminars in professional development.
“There is much more that this restructuring will bring to the college, and I am eagerly anticipating the formative opportunities that lie ahead of us as we position ourselves to continue the next 100 years in fulfilling our mission,” Dr. Flowers said. “God has significant things in store for Bluefield College.”