Administrative Officers Housing

Concord is a testament to the enduring legacy of higher education in southern West Virginia. Established in1872, the institution has seen numerous transformations and developments over the decades. A significant chapter in its history is the period during the 1930s when the Works Progress Administration (WPA) left an indelible mark on its infrastructure.

The Works Progress Administration, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, was created to combat the economic devastation of the Great Depression. The Depression severely impacted educational institutions across the country, including Concord College. The WPA's involvement not only provided essential buildings but also infused the local economy with much-needed jobs. This dual impact of improving educational infrastructure and supporting the local workforce exemplified the WPA's broader goals of providing jobs and stimulating the economy through public works projects. Concord College benefited substantially from this program, receiving several buildings and improvements that have become central to the campus.

One of the WPA contributions was the administrative officer's houses. These residences were built to provide convenient and comfortable housing for key administrative personnel, ensuring they could live close to their work and contribute more effectively to the college's operations. These houses are a part of the college's commitment to creating a cohesive and supportive community.

Over the years many College administrators have made the houses their home while employed at Concord. During renovations of the President's House, President Gregory Aloia and his family occupied one of the administrative houses on 1st Street. Comptroller and Business Manager Therin Rogers and his family occupied one of the houses. Others included Dean of Faculty Theodore Lockwood and Dean of College David Kirby. 

The buildings constructed during this period have been preserved and maintained, serving as functional spaces that also remind current students and faculty of their historical roots.