Our Foundation Partnership
A Shared Commitment to Education, Healthcare, and Regional Impact
Bluefield University is proud to be part of a growing educational consortium supported by the Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening institutions, expanding access to healthcare education, and meeting the workforce needs of underserved communities.
The Foundation’s work has consistently focused on long-term sustainability, mission-driven growth, and creating educational opportunities that make a lasting difference. For Bluefield University, this partnership represents both stability and momentum as we continue to serve students and communities with excellence.
Origins
The Beginning of a Vision
The Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation played an instrumental role in the founding of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in 2001.
After extensive research identified severe physician shortages across rural Virginia and the broader Appalachian region, Foundation leadership partnered with Virginia Tech to establish a medical institution intentionally focused on:
- Primary care
- Rural health
- Community-based practice
This vision led to the opening of VCOM in 2003, creating a new pathway for training physicians to serve communities where healthcare access was most urgently needed.
Growth
A Proven Model of Growth
Since its founding, VCOM has expanded its reach through the development of four campuses:
Each campus was established in response to documented workforce shortages and with the goal of increasing access to medical education in regions with significant healthcare needs.
This growth reflects the Foundation’s ability to identify critical challenges, build strategic partnerships, and develop institutions that create measurable impact.
Consortium
Expanding the Educational Consortium
Building on the success of VCOM, the Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation broadened its commitment to collaborative academic growth and institutional support.
2021
Bluefield University joined the consortium, aligning with the Foundation in a partnership designed to support:
- Long-term institutional sustainability
- Healthcare program expansion
- Regional workforce development
- New opportunities for students and communities
2021
The Appalachian College of Pharmacy entered into agreement with the Foundation and became a sister institution within the educational consortium.
This expansion reflects a strategic vision for strengthening education across multiple institutions while honoring the unique mission of each campus.
Impact
Why This Partnership Matters
Bluefield University is part of an educational consortium supported by the Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation, which also supports VCOM and other institutions. This relationship strengthens Bluefield University's long-term sustainability while creating new opportunities for academic collaboration, particularly in healthcare and the health sciences.
Bluefield University remains a distinct institution, with:
- Independent institutional accreditation
- Institutional governance
- Distinct mission and character
As part of the broader family of institutions, Bluefield also benefits from shared expertise, resources, and partnerships that expand opportunities for students and strengthen the University's ability to serve its region.
Experience
Building and Supporting Educational Institutions
The Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation has a history of supporting the development and growth of educational institutions. Through its work with VCOM, Bluefield University, and the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, the Foundation has helped provide resources for:
- Developing and expanding educational campuses
- Supporting collaborative academic programs
- Investing in facilities and institutional resources
- Expanding opportunities in healthcare education
- Supporting the long-term strength of its institutions
This experience provides Bluefield University with access to a broader network of educational resources, institutional knowledge, and opportunities for collaboration.
Together, Bluefield University and its sister institutions can build on their individual strengths while exploring new opportunities for students and the communities they serve.
Future
What It Means For Bluefield University
As part of this consortium, Bluefield University is positioned to build on its historic mission while expanding opportunities for the future.
This partnership supports Bluefield’s efforts to:
Strengthen academic programs
Expand healthcare and workforce-related pathways
Enhance long-term institutional stability
Serve students with programs aligned to real-world needs
Contribute to regional and national workforce solutions
Through this relationship, Bluefield University continues to invest in students, communities, and the future of Christ-centered higher education.
Looking Ahead
The needs facing higher education and healthcare are changing rapidly. Institutions must be prepared to adapt, collaborate, and lead with purpose.
The Harvey W. Peters Research Foundation has demonstrated that mission-driven partnerships can expand opportunity, preserve institutional identity, and create sustainable models for growth.
Bluefield University is honored to be part of that story.
Together, we are building a stronger future for students, for communities, and for the regions we serve.
Learn More
To learn more about Bluefield University, our academic programs, and our commitment to preparing students for lives of service and leadership, explore the opportunities available across our campus community.