BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Students from two Mercer County high schools received a first-hand look at college life during the first day of Bluefield State University’s annual Mercer County School Days recruiting event on May 8, 2025. The two-day event welcomes students from all four county high schools to explore academic programs and experience campus activities.
Over 140 juniors and seniors from Pike View and Bluefield High School attended Thursday’s session, with nearly the same number expected tomorrow from Princeton and Montcalm High Schools. Both days feature comprehensive introductions to BSU’s educational offerings and campus facilities.
“This event represents our ongoing commitment to serving local students,” said Dr. Darrin Martin, President of Bluefield State University, during Thursday’s welcome address. “As a premier four-year institution in southern West Virginia, we’re dedicated to making higher education accessible and showcasing the exceptional opportunities available right in their community. Bluefield State is a small school that offers big opportunities. Our size allows us to provide personalized attention while still offering world-class programs that prepare students for successful careers.”
Students participated in specialized interest groups organized by academic discipline, rotating through the university’s four colleges: Business, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Health Sciences, and Arts, Education and Social Sciences (AESS).
The event featured numerous interactive demonstrations, including underwater drone operations, drone racing competitions, live music performances, and hands-on activities in various academic labs.
Christina D. Sammarco, MBA, Director of Admissions, noted the importance of connecting with local schools. “Many students don’t realize the breadth of programs we offer right here in Bluefield,” Sammarco said. “Seeing their excitement when they discover a potential career path is why we host these events.”
Current BSU students served as tour guides, sharing personal experiences about their educational journeys. Academic department heads were also available to answer questions about specific programs and career opportunities.
Photos courtesy of Bluefield State University
Local school counselors accompanied the students and expressed appreciation for the university’s outreach efforts. The event gave students exposure to higher education options and made college feel more accessible through direct interaction with the campus environment.
Throughout the day, students participated in campus tours, attended departmental presentations, and engaged with faculty members about academic programs and career opportunities. The university showcased various academic demonstrations across all departments.
According to university officials, Mercer County School Days has become an important recruiting tool that helps students visualize their potential futures at BSU.
“One of our greatest strengths at Bluefield State is our network of employer partnerships,” said Dr. Martin. “We’ve established paid internship programs with organizations like Clinch Valley Physician Associates, WVVA, Volvo, Warrior Met Coal, Coronado Coal, American Consolidated, West Virginia Department of Transportation, Smurfit Westrock, Under Armour, Apple, and Microsoft. These internships give our students real-world experience while still completing their degrees and often lead to full-time employment after graduation. It’s a win for our students and for the regional economy.”
The day concluded with lunch in the Othello Harris-Jefferson Student Center, where students received information about admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and upcoming campus events. The second day of activities will follow the same schedule tomorrow.
Bluefield State University, which serves as a cornerstone of higher education in southern West Virginia, offers undergraduate degree programs across four colleges and continues to develop academic initiatives to meet regional workforce needs.
