Salem University Athletics

Born in Salem, West Virginia on March 8, 1902, Jennings Randolph graduated from Salem College Academy in 1920 and Salem College in 1924. He won varsity letters in basketball, tennis, and track. In 1923, as a student he was elected to the College Board of Trustees and he served in that capacity for over 60 years.

One of the most renown graduates in Salem International University history, he was a former sports editor for the Clarksburg Telegram (1924-1925), magazine and newspaper editor, college professor and dean, and was athletic director at Davis and Elkins College  from 1926-32.

In 1932, Randolph was elected to the House of Representatives where he would serve for 14 years. From 1958 until 1985, he was a member of the U.S. Senate, where he helped shaped vital legislation, often pioneering statutes which created constructive changes in our societies.

Randolph served as a member of labor and education committees in both houses of congress throughout his career. He created or strongly influenced major legislation covering education, public works, environment, transportation, health, welfare and the handicapped. 

He sponsored the first Black Lung legislation in 1969, and is author of the 26th amendment to the Constitution, giving voting rights to 18-21 year old youths, and casted more than 10,500 roll call votes in his congressional career.

Through his efforts, Salem College obtained funding to make major improvements. The Randolph Campus Center was named in his honor in 1974.

His philosophy in life stemmed from admonition given by his father, Ernest, in correspondences with his son. It reads, "Remember the man and woman by the way side of the road."

Randolph died in St. Louis, Missouri in 1998. He was interred at Seventh Day Baptist Cemetery in Salem.