The West Virginia State University (WVSU) has taken a significant step forward in expanding its agricultural education offerings. On Tuesday, the university broke ground on a new $50 million agriculture school building, marking a pivotal moment in the institution’s history.
The new Purdy School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources will be located on WVSU’s Institute campus. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to house various agricultural programs, including food science and veterinary technology, along with cutting-edge research laboratories.
One of the most notable aspects of this project is the unique partnership with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, which will have its own laboratories within the building. This collaboration is expected to create unprecedented opportunities for students and contribute to the state’s agricultural sector.
The funding for this ambitious project comes from state allocations approved during a special legislative session in May 2024. Additionally, the Purdy family has made a generous $2.5 million donation towards the new department, demonstrating strong community support for agricultural education.
This development is not just a win for WVSU but for the entire state of West Virginia. As Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt noted, “We’re seeing a growing interest in agriculture in the state of West Virginia. One of the two people on our [state] flag is a farmer. So, our roots are here in agriculture, and we need to make sure that we nurture those roots and grow great things in agriculture.”
The new agriculture school is expected to be completed in early 2027, promising to usher in a new era of agricultural education and research in the region.
