West Virginia University School of Medicine - Pylon Yearbook (Morgantown, WV)

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THE BASIC SCIENCE BUILDING OF WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, 1957 The Basic Science Building was completed in 1957 at a cost of $13,782,625 including fixed equipment. It was occupied on July 1, 1957, and classes were started in September of that year. The 522 bed-hospital was completed in 1960 at a cost of $15,897,777 which also included fixed equipment. It was opened for patients in August, 1960. When the school opened, about 150 beds were in use; the following year, it was increased to 250. Presently, approximately 300 beds are available. An outstanding clinical faculty was recruited, so that all major clinical departments save psychiatry, were represented by a full-time chairman and several members of his staff before September, 1960. The first class of third-year students, 16 in number, was enrolled in September, 1960, and the first class graduated in June, 1962. The School of Medicine has had three deans: John N. Simpson, M. D. , who served from 1902-1935; Edward J. Van Liere, Ph.D., M. D. , from 1935-1961; and Clark K. Sleeth, M. D. , who became dean on January 1, 1961. The citizens of the state are to be highly commended for establishing the Medical Center, one of the finest in the land. The development of such a facility is a costly project. It is believed that all the essentials for modern medical education and practice have been provided for the state. The Medical Center should be able to serve adequately the health and educational needs of the citizens of the state.