From Records to Rhodes: UC Celebrates Memorable 2025

From record enrollment to national recognition and standout student achievements, 2025 was a year of momentum for the University of Charleston. Across campus and beyond the state, UC continued to strengthen its reputation while staying focused on what matters most: students, opportunity, and impact. Here is a look back at a memorable year.

UC Records Highest Enrollment in Nearly 60 Years

The University of Charleston reached its highest enrollment since 1969, welcoming 3,032 students in 2025. At a time when many colleges in West Virginia and across the country are seeing declines, UC has grown by 42.5 percent over the past decade.

UC's success comes from adapting to what students and employers need. The university has expanded high-demand programs in healthcare, business, and technology, strengthened partnerships with the military and regional employers, and increased online and hybrid options for adult learners. The result is a campus shaped by listening and responding.

UC Named Best College in West Virginia; Earns Multiple Recognitions

That student-focused approach earned statewide and national recognition. UC was named the Best College in West Virginia by Niche, the only private institution in the state to rank in the top ten, with an overall A- rating. The ranking reflects strong performance across academics, athletics, student life, diversity, and safety.

The University of Charleston continued to earn national recognition, with honors from U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review, Colleges of Distinction, Military Friendly® Schools, Money.com, College Consensus, College Factual, Intelligent.com, College Raptor, and the American Association for Men in Nursing, reflecting UC's strength across overall excellence, military support, and program quality.

Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletic Center Opens

The university's academic growth took physical form with the opening of the Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletic Center. The $10 million facility was designed to support UC's newly launched occupational therapy and physical therapy programs, featuring modern labs, collaborative learning spaces, and updated classrooms built for hands-on training.

The center also brought upgrades to athletic facilities, including new locker rooms, weight training areas, and laundry facilities. Together, these improvements support both academic preparation and daily student experience.

HLC Reaffirms 10-Year Accreditation Through 2035

In early 2025, UC received a full 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission following a comprehensive site visit. The decision affirms the university's academic standards, institutional integrity, and focus on continuous improvement through the 2034-35 academic year.

Downtown Innovation Hub Assists Small Business Growth

Innovation remained a key focus as the UC Downtown Innovation Hub's flagship Business Accelerator Program welcomed its largest cohort to date, marking another milestone in the program's growth. The program continues to support small businesses across West Virginia through mentoring and programming. At the same time, events such as the Inspiring Innovation Series connect UC students and the broader community with real-world economic development and reinforce the university's role in the region.

UC Adventure Guide Launches

UC also introduced the Adventure Guide, a new initiative highlighting 10 on-campus bucket-list experiences, Charleston adventures, and 60 things to explore within 60 miles of campus. The guide reflects UC's belief that education extends beyond the classroom and that place matters in shaping the student experience.

Maliah McCann-Coles Named Rhodes Scholar Finalist

Senior Maliah McCann-Coles earned national attention as a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the world's most prestigious academic awards. While she did not ultimately receive the scholarship, her selection placed her among the top students in the country and brought national visibility to UC.

McCann-Coles was also named a Judith A. Herndon Fellow, alongside fellow student Abbi Roberts. Each year, only ten undergraduates from across West Virginia are selected to serve during the state's legislative session. Over the past decade, eleven UC students have earned this honor, reflecting the university's strong track record in developing civic leaders.

UC Marathon Earns Boston Marathon Qualifier Status

The UC Marathon reached a major milestone by earning USA Track and Field certification, allowing runners to use their results to qualify for other marathons, including Boston, Chicago, New York, and London. The designation elevates the UC Marathon as a destination event and marks a significant moment for Charleston, which last hosted a full marathon nearly thirty years ago.

Students, Faculty, and Staff Live the Mission

While rankings and facilities tell part of the story, the heart of UC remains its people. In 2025, the university hosted its largest Labor of Love service day, bringing students, faculty, and staff together to serve the community. Expanded Enlightened Living Days focused on wellness, reflection, and connection. Homecoming reunited students, alumni, and friends for a celebration of Golden Eagle pride and shared history.

Athletic Excellence Once Again

UC student-athletes delivered an outstanding year in competition, with Golden Eagle teams winning conference championships across multiple sports in 2025. Titles were claimed by men's tennis, women's tennis, softball, men's soccer, women's volleyball, football, men's and women's track in both indoor and outdoor seasons, and men's cross country.

That success carried across the entire athletics program, as the University of Charleston was named the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner's Cup champion. The honor marks UC's eighth consecutive Commissioner's Cup title and tenth overall, recognizing the conference's top overall athletic program.

Looking Forward

2025 was a year of growth, recognition, and meaningful achievement. With record enrollment, expanded academic offerings, new facilities, and students making an impact on the national stage, the University of Charleston is well-positioned for the years ahead. As momentum continues, UC remains focused on creating opportunity and shaping lives, one Golden Eagle at a time.