1957
An enthusiastic group of individuals meet at the Wood County Courthouse to advocate for a Parkersburg institution of higher learning. Later, a 30-person committee was formed to assist in the pursual of such an establishment.
1961
The Parkersburg Branch of West Virginia University opens in the old Madison school building at the intersection of Emerson Avenue and 31st Street; 104 students enroll in classes.
1965
Wood County citizens pass a bond issue that, with matching federal funds, provides $3.6 million to build an educational complex provided by the Wood County Court.
1967
The branch’s first commencement ceremony is held in the First United Presbyterian Church’s sanctuary. There are 37 students in the graduating class, all receiving Associate in Arts degrees.
1969
The first WVU Parkersburg Center nursing graduates receive their diplomas in May.
1971
The institution becomes Parkersburg Community College following legislative action to create a comprehensive community college system for West Virginia of two freestanding community colleges.
1971
The college hires Madame Shao Fang Sheng, the first native of China to teach at Parkersburg Community College. Madame Shao Fang Sheng was a well-known artist, especially for her watercolors, and studied under Frank Lloyd Wright (one of his few apprentices).
1975
The Jackson County and Tri-County centers are opened in Ripley, W.Va. and Sistersville, W.Va respectively to offer off-campus enrollment.
1976
Parkersburg Community College hosts California Governor Ronald Reagan on May 4, 1976 during his presidential primary campaign. In 1984, he makes another visit to Wood County, as president, and speaks at the Parkersburg High School field house.
1989
Dedication Weekends marks the West Virginia Legislature establishing the college as West Virginia University at Parkersburg, a regional campus of West Virginia University. The $3.9 million multi-purpose facility also opens, which consisted of an assembly hall, cafeteria, classrooms, meeting rooms and a teleconference room.