GLENVILLE, WV – James “Jim” Hamrick, a 91-year-old alumnus of Glenville State University, recently made a generous $10,000 donation to his namesake Jim Hamrick Athletic Scholarship, a fund he established decades ago to help student-athletes who display academic and athletic promise.
Hamrick is well-known on campus, not only for his generous giving, but also for his legendary contributions to Glenville State athletics. As a student-athlete, he competed on the Pioneer football, basketball, and baseball teams, and has stayed deeply involved in athletics and education throughout his life.
He graduated from Glenville State with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics, physical education, health, and driver’s education in November 1957 and later earned a master’s degree from West Virginia University in 1966.
Hamrick served as a math teacher and coach at four West Virginia high schools (Meadow Bridge, Rainelle, Clendenin, and Herbert Hoover) for 16 years, was principal at Clendenin Junior High School for 18 years, and was a substitute teacher for 22 years. He served at the Executive Secretary of the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC) for four years.
Throughout this career, Hamrick has also been heavily involved in sports championships, education, and service to his alma mater. He received a Presidential Citation for his leadership in 2000 from former Glenville State President Dr. Thomas Powell, served on the National Federation of State High School Association Track Committee for two terms (he is the only West Virginian to have served on this committee), served as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Track Meet Director for three years, has served as the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) Track Meet Director for six years, served the WVSSAC as both the State Track Meet Director and State Boys Basketball Tournament Director, and served as a WVSSAC official for football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. Most recently, he was inducted into Glenville State’s Curtis Elam Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of its 2021 class.
Reflecting on his years at Glenville, Hamrick fondly remembers an era when “everyone knew everyone,” and students felt woven into a tight-knit community. He says one of his earliest routines at GSC was practical and humble: waking up each morning to milk cows on the College Farm, a testament to his work ethic and a simpler time.
“This generous donation is a continuation of the Jim Hamrick legacy – one that is rooted in supporting student success, both on the field and in the classroom. Jim’s years at Glenville State shaped and impacted his life, and this scholarship continues to do the same for a whole new generation of Pioneers. We certainly appreciate his most recent donation, but most of all we value his friendship,” said David Hutchison, Vice President for Advancement at Glenville State University.
To contribute to the Jim Hamrick Athletic Scholarship or to learn about establishing a scholarship at Glenville State University, contact Hutchison at David.Hutchison@glenville.edu or call (304) 462-6381.
