The school was constructed through a confluence of influence: The land for the school was donated by Beaver Coal; Sen. Robert C. Byrd helped to appropriate $10 million for its construction and development; Rep. Nick Rahall helped to secure $750,000 to help build the access road; then-House Speaker Bob Kiss helped to secure $2 million in bonds for equipment; and the Appalachian Regional Commission gave a $500,000 grant for technology equipment.
Bluefield State College President Albert Walker says he thinks the school will appeal to students because of its convenient location off I-64. Nursing and radiology courses will be offered through Bluefield State at the PHEC and that's in response to demand.
"We've been in the Beckley area for a number of years and know the supply and demand of nurses, so we definitely need nurses and need people in radiology," Walker said.
"We're trying to meet the needs of the state with this."
- Associated Press
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