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Key Community Impact Findings

WVU contributes far beyond academics and economics—it serves as a cornerstone of community strength and social progress throughout the Mountain State.

Overall Findings

Invested in Communities. Committed to West Virginia.

As a leading public research institution, WVU is deeply committed to addressing social challenges, fostering civic responsibility, and improving the quality of life for West Virginians in every region.

Through active partnerships with local organizations, non-profits, and government agencies, WVU supports initiatives that expand educational access, improve healthcare outcomes, enhance housing stability, and strengthen social services. Faculty lend their expertise to community projects, while students engage in service-learning experiences that apply classroom knowledge to real-world needs. Each year, WVU students, faculty, and staff contribute thousands of hours through service projects that benefit underserved populations, advance public health, and promote urban and rural development alike.

According to Tripp Umbach, WVU faculty, staff, and students collectively contribute $46.0 million annually through charitable giving and volunteerism. This includes $5.8 million in charitable donations to local organizations and $40.3 million in the value of volunteer service supporting communities across the state. These contributions underscore WVU’s role as a force for social good and a trusted partner in community resilience.

WVU’s influence reaches every corner of West Virginia, shaping stronger, healthier, and more connected communities through civic engagement, education, and innovation. Whether improving healthcare access, advancing social justice, or developing workforce and sustainability initiatives, WVU continues to elevate the well-being of West Virginians. Its enduring commitment to service, collaboration, and inclusion ensures that the university remains a powerful driver of progress, equity, and opportunity for generations to come.