University of Charleston Renamed Building Welch Hall
The school honored its former president by renaming the campus pharmacy building in his name.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Higher Education
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The University of Charleston has officially renamed its former School of Pharmacy building as Welch Hall. The dedication honors Dr. Ed Welch, who served as the university's president for nearly three decades.
Why it matters
The naming recognizes the long-term leadership of Dr. Welch, who guided the institution through a period of significant growth. The facility remains a central hub for health science students on the Charleston campus.
Welch Hall now houses the university's physician assistant and nurse anesthesia programs. The university is simultaneously marking 60 years of providing nursing education to students in the Charleston area.
The players
Dr. Ed Welch
He served as the president of the University of Charleston from 1989 until 2018.
University of Charleston
This private university located in Charleston, West Virginia, is celebrating six decades of nursing education.
The details
University leadership gathered on Thursday night to hold a formal dedication ceremony for the renamed structure. The building, which previously housed the School of Pharmacy, now serves as the primary location for specialized graduate-level health programs.
Timeline
Dr. Ed Welch began his term as university president in 1989.
Dr. Ed Welch retired from his role as university president in 2018.
The university held the Welch Hall dedication ceremony on September 24, 2026.
Roadmap
The renaming of the facility reflects the university's ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint in health sciences education. By anchoring the building to former leadership, the school reinforces its historical legacy while continuing to host vital clinical training programs.
Students and faculty in the physician assistant and nurse anesthesia programs will now report to the renamed Welch Hall for their daily coursework. Residents of the area may notice increased activity on campus as the dedication coincides with homecoming festivities.
The takeaway
Naming campus landmarks after former leadership is a traditional way for universities to preserve their institutional history for future generations. These dedications serve to remind the current student body of the legacy that built the programs they utilize today.
Further reading
Learn more about campus developments and academic milestones in Higher Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wsaz.
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