For generations, coal has been more than just a resource in southern West Virginia—it has been a way of life. It built towns, fed families, and lit homes across the country. The mines have shaped our culture, our communities, and our character. The people who worked them—often in the most difficult conditions imaginable—did so with grit, resilience, and pride. The coalfields are not just part of our economy; they’re part of who we are.
In what can only be described as fortuitous timing, Bluefield State University’s introduction of a Mining Engineering Technology degree program coincides perfectly with President Trump’s renewed commitment to America’s coal industry.
This announcement comes at a pivotal moment. President Donald Trump recently reaffirmed a clear and bold policy:
“It is the policy of the United States that coal is essential to our national and economic security. It is a national priority to support the domestic coal industry by removing Federal regulatory barriers that undermine coal production, encouraging the utilization of coal to meet growing domestic energy demands, increasing American coal exports, and ensuring that Federal policy does not discriminate against coal production or coal-fired electricity generation.”
Congresswoman Carol Miller echoed this sentiment, affirming her strong support for coal and the communities that rely on it:
“Coal has powered West Virginia and the United States for generations, and I, along with President Trump, will ensure that it remains a dominant fuel source for years to come,” Miller said in a statement Wednesday. “Through these executive orders, the coal industry will be able to increase U.S. energy supply, lower costs, stabilize the grid, create jobs, and improve our national security. No one works harder than a West Virginia coal miner, and I thank President Trump for his commitment to the coal industry and West Virginia.”
Today, the mining sector faces a critical shortage of skilled professionals. There are just 14 accredited mining and mineral engineering programs in the U.S., producing roughly 150 graduates per year—far short of the 500 needed annually. Meanwhile, 27% of the current geoscience workforce is expected to retire by 2029, creating a projected need for over 130,000 trained workers.
Our program is a direct response to that challenge.
The mining industry, a cornerstone of global economic development, is undergoing rapid transformation due to technological advancements, environmental concerns, and evolving safety regulations. As a result, there is a growing demand for college-trained engineers who bring a blend of technical expertise, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills to the field. These professionals are essential not only for the design and operation of modern mining systems but also for addressing the industry’s complex challenges, including sustainability, resource efficiency, and worker safety.
College-trained engineers are uniquely equipped to navigate the integration of new technologies such as automation, data analytics, and remote sensing in mining operations. With formal education in disciplines like mining engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and environmental engineering, these professionals can develop and implement smarter, more efficient extraction techniques. They are also trained to optimize processes that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact—key goals for companies facing increasing scrutiny over their ecological footprint.
Our students gain hands-on training in mine design, safety, ventilation, mineral processing, and environmental compliance, while learning from seasoned professionals and working in state-of-the-art facilities. Paid summer internships, on-site lab experiences, and direct support from industry leaders ensure our students graduate workforce-ready and prepared to make an immediate impact.
As Dean Bill Bennett, leader of our School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, put it: “It’s important that our students enter the workforce with real-world experience beyond the classroom.”
The coal regions of Appalachia have long suffered from economic decline and workforce challenges. Now, as policy shifts potentially breathe new life into coal production, Bluefield State stands positioned to provide something crucial: qualified workers trained in modern mining technologies.
This is not your grandfather’s mining education. Today’s mining engineers require sophisticated knowledge of automation, environmental compliance, and safety protocols that were unimaginable decades ago. Bluefield’s program promises to equip graduates with precisely these skills—creating a new generation of mining professionals capable of navigating the complex balance between energy production and environmental responsibility.
The university’s strategic location in coal country creates natural opportunities for industry partnerships. Students will benefit from hands-on experience at operational mines, while companies gain access to a pipeline of qualified workers who understand both traditional mining principles and cutting-edge technologies.
Critics will undoubtedly question the wisdom of investing in coal education at a time when many predict continued decline for the industry. However, this view fails to recognize the potential for innovation. If the coal industry is to have any sustainable future, it will require precisely the kind of technical expertise and fresh thinking that programs like BSU’s aim to cultivate.
Whether President Trump’s coal initiatives ultimately succeed in revitalizing the industry remains to be seen. What is certain is that any serious attempt will require skilled professionals with specialized training. In launching this program, Bluefield State demonstrated both educational foresight and commitment to its regional economy.
For communities that have weathered decades of economic uncertainty, this alignment of educational opportunity with potential industry growth offers something precious: hope. And in today’s polarized energy debate, that is a commodity worth mining.
And this is not just about coal. The same skills and knowledge taught in this program apply to the extraction of critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and copper—that are essential to America’s future in energy, defense, and advanced technology. Our graduates won’t just help power our homes—they will help build the batteries, vehicles, and infrastructure of tomorrow.
By strengthening this program, we are advancing a mission that is deeply aligned with President Trump’s national energy policy—removing unnecessary barriers, building domestic capacity, and preparing the workforce that will keep America secure, competitive, and independent.
We are helping students find purpose and prosperity. We are fueling industries that power our nation. And we are honoring our region’s proud legacy of hard work, energy leadership, and innovation.
Bluefield State is proud to stand with the coal community, with the energy industry, our elected representatives, and with all who believe that American strength begins at home—right here in Bluefield.
Keith Olson is a Bluefield, WV resident and Interim Director of Communications at Bluefield State University
