GLENVILLE, W.Va. — A small public university in rural West Virginia is expanding the reach of its business education beyond the Appalachian community it has served for more than 150 years, establishing a College of Business after adding online undergraduate and graduate programs.
Glenville State University formally marked the college’s establishment Wednesday, elevating its business department into a separate academic college.
The change follows several years of expansion in business education at the university. Glenville State has moved its management and accounting bachelor’s programs online, introduced a Master of Business Administration program, updated its computer information and analysis degree and added shorter microcredentials.
Those changes allow at least some students to earn Glenville State business degrees without relocating to the university’s campus in Glenville, a small central West Virginia community about 85 miles northeast of Charleston.
Glenville State’s location makes that expansion notable. Founded in 1872 to prepare teachers, the university developed in a region of small towns and rural communities where geography has historically limited access to higher education. Online business and graduate programs let the institution serve students far beyond central West Virginia while allowing working adults and others to pursue degrees without moving to Glenville.
Read also: New Glenville State stadium marks $26 million investment in rural West Virginia
According to J.D. Carpenter, chair of the College of Business, the college also broadens the university beyond its historical focus on teacher education. Glenville State has since developed programs across business, science, criminal justice, natural resources and other fields while retaining its role as a public university serving rural West Virginia.
Carpenter said the new college builds on programs developed by generations of faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
“Today, we are able to stand on the shoulders of amazing people who came before us, including faculty, staff, students and alumni,” Carpenter said. “This transition to the College of Business is possible because of them and the foundation that they built. We are excited to take this to the next level.”
Business programs extend Glenville State’s reach
Graduate education has expanded that reach. Glenville State reported 46 students enrolled in its MBA program in October 2025. The 36-credit online program uses accelerated eight-week courses, and full-time students can complete it in about 18 months.
The university has also expanded the subjects available to graduate business students, including concentrations in artificial intelligence, business analytics, cybersecurity, finance and healthcare administration.
At the undergraduate level, Glenville State offers business-related programs in accounting, computer information and analysis, integrated marketing, management and sport management. Moving some of those programs online potentially gives the university access to students well beyond the population within commuting distance of its rural campus.
Creating a separate college does not create those programs, but it gives business education a larger organizational presence within the university.
Glenville State President Mark A. Manchin said the college reflects changes in the kinds of education students and employers need.
“The establishment of the College of Business is a reflection of Glenville State University’s continued commitment to preparing students for the opportunities and challenges of a changing world,” Manchin said. “Our students are learning from faculty who bring both academic knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom.”
Manchin said the university intends to continue expanding its programs and reaching more students while building on its existing business curriculum.
The university celebrated the formal establishment Wednesday with a ceremony attended by students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the university’s Board of Governors. Board Chair Ann Green read a resolution recognizing the College of Business and signed it with Manchin before university officials, and students cut a ceremonial ribbon.
For Carpenter, the new designation recognizes both the expansion underway now and the people who built Glenville State’s business programs over time.
“This is an exciting time to be a Pioneer,” Carpenter said, “and, as always, we welcome students to come be a part of our future.”