Now, the Alumni Association has come together with the college's Board of Directors to hash out what it's going to take to bring Bluefield State into the 21st century.

The Alumni Association met with the Board of Directors Thursday night.

Alumni Association President, Joseph Lewis, said the lack of dorms keeps students from taking ownership in their school.

Vice President of Student Affairs, John Cardwell, said the issue is money.

Back in the 60s, Cardwell said, the state banned housing on campus. Since then, Bluefield State has sought out private developers.

He said the state won't provide funding for dormitories. Lucky for them, the Alumni Association is passionate about getting dorms on campus. They said they're working to seek out contractors who are willing to help.

"We have people who will come to this college, just like they are doing at all the other colleges around the country. Said we will build it, lease it to you. Or we will build it and run it for you. And people are still sitting on their hands. And I think that's a problem. I think it's time for something to happen," said Lewis.

Administrators with Bluefield State said they would love to see dorms on campus. They are exploring the option of building on the 40 acres of land they own behind the school, but money is scarce.

The money they do have is being used for building repairs. At this time, 160 of Bluefield State's 2,000 students are being housed down the street from campus, in a former hotel.

According to the Alumni Association, they're planning to meet back up with the Board of Governor's on Dec. 20.