A Legacy of Learning, Innovation, and Community
West Liberty University is West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education, building on nearly two centuries of academic excellence, community engagement, and preparation for meaningful careers and lives.
Rooted in history,
focused on the future.
Founded in 1837 as West Liberty Academy—26 years before West Virginia became a state—WLU was created to provide higher education opportunities west of the Appalachian ridge. The university takes its name from the town in which it is located, itself named in the late 18th century as the westernmost point of the new liberty promised by the Declaration of Independence. Today, WLU blends this rich heritage with forward-looking programs that prepare students to thrive in a changing world.
From academy
to teachers college.
In 1870, the West Virginia Legislature passed an act establishing a Branch Normal School at West Liberty, opening its doors on May 2 of that year. Originally a branch of the West Virginia State Normal School at Huntington, the institution trained men and women to teach and supervise in public schools. Before 1900, West Liberty functioned as both a high school and a teacher-preparatory institution. On March 4, 1931, it was formally renamed West Liberty State Teachers College, marking a new chapter in its mission to educate future educators.
Expanding programs,
expanding impact.
Over the decades, West Liberty continued to evolve, transitioning from a teachers college to a comprehensive four-year university. The institution expanded its degree programs, embraced new academic disciplines, and grew its commitment to experiential learning, preparing students for careers and leadership across multiple fields. Today, WLU stands as a forward-looking public university, proud of its past and energized by its vision for the future.
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.