1985 was the first year that a waiting list had to be put into place because of the increase in admission applications. The Walker College of Business underwent many improvements, the Mountaineer Community was founded, a degree in Applied Physics became available as well as several summer study programs in other countries.

In 1983 the BA in Social Studies was eradicated and replaced by more expansive programs in anthropology, political science, and sociology with multiple foci. The International Education Office added programs in Seoul, and offered seven study abroad programs. Computer resources on campus were expanded. The library accomplished major steps towards moving to an automated library system.