News

The men’s dormitory Rish Hall underwent extensive renovations during the summer, receiving new flooring, remodeled bathrooms, individual climate controls for each room, electrical upgrades, a new roof, and much more.

“From the outside, the brick is the same. But the windows and everything else you see is upgraded,” said Hal Keene, director of facilities and operations at Bluefield University. “I don’t think there’s any ceiling, wall, light, window, anything that you can walk inside the building and see that’s not brand new.”

Wondering about all the construction on campus? Curious how the university chooses which buildings to renovate next? Join us for a conversation with Cara Smith, Hal Keene, and Corey Mullins about ongoing renovations, future plans, and more. Learn about what’s happening in Rish Hall and when renovations should be complete. Discover how these renovations are funded, what they involve, and much more in our latest podcast.

On April 24-25, writers and word-lovers from around the nation will gather at the Granada Theater in Bluefield, WV, for a weekend of fellowship and inspiration. The speakers for HopeWords Writers’ Conference will include authors Mitali Perkins, Daniel Nayeri, Gary Schmidt, and S.D. Smith.

Bluefield University has announced a change to its undergraduate commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026. In years past, students and their families gathered on the quad to enjoy the spring sunshine while crossing the graduation stage. This year, however, the ceremony will look different.

As balmy weather and green growth return, many of us feel the urge to go outdoors. Whether you prefer gravel paths or wilderness treks, hiking opportunities abound. Both Virginia and West Virginia feature numerous hiking trails to woodlands, waterfalls, and scenic views. These trails also offer birdwatching opportunities and sometimes fishing.

The Deeper Young Adult Conference was nothing short of amazing. Young Adults gathered to lift up Jesus’ name and become students of his presence. I can proudly say we achieved that over this weekend. I hope these photos show how impactful this conference truly was on our Campus. Students and speakers from all over came for the same reason: to experience Jesus in a new way, worship in fellowship, and walk away with a new love of the father. 

Curious about communications or a career in news? Watch highlights from alumna Kaleigh Fourie’s March 5 presentation exploring why she recommends going into the news field and what it’s like. Hear students John Thompson and Elei Haynes reflect on what they took away from Fourie’s visit.

Changes may soon be coming to Career Pathways classes. The General Education Committee is considering potential revisions, but no changes have been approved yet. Meanwhile, students and faculty have raised concerns over the efficacy of Career Pathways classes.

At Bluefield University, the campus may feel small, but the journeys that lead students here are anything but. For international students, arriving in Bluefield means crossing not only state lines, but also oceans, time zones, and cultures. From navigating visa paperwork and long flights to adjusting to Appalachian winters and Southern hospitality, these students bring with them resilience shaped by distance and determination.

To some, the phrase “local history” is synonymous with antiquated buildings and dull insignificance. But history is not just facts – it’s a collection of stories.

“A lot of times, it’s not the building,” said Wayne Pelts, assistant director of the Academic Center for Excellence and Careers (ACEC). “It’s the people, it’s the stories, it’s those movers and shakers.”

Standing in a small kitchen surrounded by flavored syrups and stainless-steel appliances, Diane Clinton pours steaming water through a filter full of fragrant coffee grounds. Dark liquid drips steadily into the hourglass-shaped beaker below. For the past several weeks, Diane has been practicing making lattes, cappuccinos, frappes, teas, and other drinks.

Eight days into the fall semester, Bluefield University ran out of federal work-study funds – and students are feeling it.

The Bluefield University Music Department has been invited, yet again, to perform on the most renowned stage in New York, Carnegie Hall, a goal most musicians can only dream of.

Despite being a valuable resource for Bluefield University’s sports teams, the BU athletic bus has been underutilized, according to Athletics Director Corey Mullins.