History
1878
WVU College of Law is founded, and is the first professional school in West Virginia. Classes are held in Woodburn Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus.
1879
William R. Thompson of Hinton, WV, receives his LLB from WVU College of Law, the first individual to receive an LLB from WVU.
1894
The West Virginia Law Review, the 4th oldest law review in the country, is founded.
1895
WVU College of Law graduates its first female, Agnes Westbrook Morrison. West Virginia is one of the earliest states to educate women in law and admit them to the bar.
1914
The College of Law is admitted to membership in the Association of American Law Schools.
1923
WVU College of Law moves into its new building on University Avenue, Colson Hall.
1923
The College of Law is fully accredited by the ABA and has remained fully approved by the ABA since 1923.
1925
West Virginia University Chapter of the Order of the Coif is installed to recognize the top 10% of the graduating law school class and is the highest academic honor a law student can achieve.
1926
George C. Baker’s donation to the College of Law begins the Baker Cup Competition that is held each spring at the College of Law.
1949
Charles E. Price is the first African-American to graduate from the WVU College of Law.
Late 1960s
The open admission policy ends, and the Law School Admission Test becomes an ABA requirement.
1969
The Morgantown Country Club closes, and the land is acquired by WVU to become home to the new WVU College of Law building.
1974
The College of Law moves into its new building on the Evansdale Campus.
1979
E. Gordon Gee is named Dean of the WVU College of Law. One year later, he is named President of West Virginia University. He serves in that role until 1985 before becoming one of the most influential university presidents in country. Gee returns to WVU's presidency in 2014.
1989
Graduates of the College of Law are required to take and pass the West Virginia Bar Examination; West Virginia “diploma privilege” ends.
1990
Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia hears cases in the Lugar Courtroom at for the first time its has heard cases outside Charleston since 1914. It is now an annual tradition.
1993
Teree Foster becomes the first woman to be selected as Dean of the College of Law.
1995
WVU graduate, David C. Hardesty, Jr., becomes the 21st president of West Virginia University and receives an academic appointment as a member of the College of Law faculty.
1998
John W. Fisher, II is named the 15th dean of the WVU College of Law. Dean Fisher is the first graduate of the College of Law to serve as dean.
2003
West Virginia College of Law celebrates its 125th year.
2008
Joyce E. McConnell is named the 16th Dean of the WVU College of Law. She joined the faculty in 1995.
2011
The Center for Energy and Sustainable Development and the Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic are established at the WVU College of Law.
2012
The College of Law breaks ground on what becomes a $28 million expansion and renovation project. The project is completed by fall 2016.
2013
The College of Law receives the largest capital gift in its history – $7.5 million from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust.
2014
Dean McConnell is appointed WVU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Professor Gregory W. Bowman is named Interim Dean of the College of Law.
2015
Professor Gregory W. Bowman is named the 17th Dean of the College of Law.
