Initiatives, News, and Events

Vol. 7, No. 13 • September 23, 2022

President’s Points of Pride

I am delighted to announce that Dr. Scott W.H. Barton has been named Vice President for Finance and Administration, effective October 3, 2022. Most recently, Barton served as Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance at Shippensburg University, part of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Prior to working at Shippensburg, Barton worked at Mansfield University, also part of PASSHE, as Vice President of Finance and Administration before being named Interim President of the University. Barton holds an Ed.D. from the University of New England, a Master’s in business administration from Regis University, and a B.B.A. in accounting from Florida Atlantic University. Scott’s extensive experience with Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, success in strategic planning, and leadership skills combine to make him a valuable addition to Shepherd and our executive team.

I would like to gratefully acknowledge the successful recruiting efforts of the Search Committee, chaired by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephen Spencer, working collectively with Dr. Marie DeWalt, Dr. Heidi Hanrahan, Joey Dagg, Shelley Shaffer, Jack Shaw, Bea Stottlemyer, and Jayne Angle. Many wonderful candidates applied for the position, and several participated in on-campus interviews. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Barton to Shepherd University and our community!

Mental Health Awareness Night at women’s volleyball game

Counseling Services is partnering with Athletics to host a Mental Health Awareness Night at the Shepherd volleyball game on Friday, September 23. The Counseling Services team will staff a table starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Butcher Center before the start of the match at 7 p.m. This event will highlight the importance of normalizing mental health challenges among students and student-athletes, promoting support, and honoring lives lost to suicide. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for Shepherd students and employees and children in 8th grade and younger. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.shepherdrams.universitytickets.com.

Appalachian Heritage Festival is Saturday!

Remember, the 26th American Heritage Festival is Saturday, September 24, starting at 11 a.m. You won’t want to miss a day packed with free workshops and music celebrating the immense talent of Appalachia. Check out the entire schedule online and plan to enjoy a remarkable day.

Shepherd welcomes Barbara Kingsolver for American Heritage Writer-in-Residence events

Award-winning writer Barbara Kingsolver, the 2022 American Heritage Writer-in-Residence (AHWIR), comes to the Eastern Panhandle for free events starting Wednesday, September 28. In addition to Kingsolver’s appearances, AHWIR events abound in the days leading up to her arrival. Review the schedule for events, times, and links to join virtually.

Upcoming flu shot and COVID booster clinic

Mark your calendar! On Tuesday, October 18, the Shepherd Health Center is holding a vaccine clinic at the Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center from 12:30-3:30 p.m. At the clinic, the staff of Shepherdstown Pharmacy will be giving flu shots and the newest COVID-19 bivalent booster. Shepherd employees and students—along with family and community members—are eligible to receive one or both vaccines. There’s no need to make an appointment—but be sure to bring your insurance and COVID-19 vaccine cards. If you currently don’t have insurance, you can pay $25 for the flu shot and $10 for the COVID booster.

Textile art exhibit opens October 7, artist talk October 11

“Science Stories in Fabric,” a textile art exhibit by associate professor of biology Dr. Laura Robertson will be on display in the Scarborough Library Reading Room from October 7 to November 2. Robertson uses fabrics in an assortment of colors and patterns to vividly illustrate the beauty of nature, explore the interaction between humanity and nature, and tell stories about these interactions. Because of the tactile nature of fabric and the long association between quilts and comfort, quilting is an accessible art form that facilitates communication. Dr. Robertson will speak about the creative process and inspiration behind these science stories in fabric on Tuesday, October 11, at 5 p.m. in the Scarborough Library Reading Room. Both the artist talk and the exhibit are free and open to the public.

Counseling Services hosts mental health events, weekly support groups for students

Counseling Services presents Coffee with Counselors, a monthly tabling event to promote mental health programming, share information, and connect with students. The next Coffee with Counselors is Tuesday, September 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Rams Den.

Throughout the day on Friday, September 30, Counseling Services will coordinate a Mental Health Screening Day. This online and in-person event allows students to complete questionnaires on common mental health challenges. Counseling Services staff, student interns, and student volunteers will host information tables in the Rams Den, Scarborough Library, Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center, and Potomac Place lawn to promote participation in the screening event and share information about on-campus resources.

Counseling Services will continue offering weekly support groups to students in September, including Mental Health Orientation, Mindful Movement, and Depression/Anxiety Support. For more information on group times and locations, please visit the Counseling Services website.

Please encourage students to participate in these vital programs and events.

News

School of Education participating in Grow Your Own Pathway to Teaching program

Six high school students from Jefferson County Schools are getting a head start on their dream of becoming teachers, thanks to a pilot program called Grow Your Own Pathway to Teaching through the West Virginia Department of Education. The six are taking dual enrollment classes at Shepherd, including some education courses, for which they earn both high school and college credits.

Farm-to-table event raises $19K for Last Dollar Fund

This year’s farm-to-table dinner, sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation and hosted by alumni Eric and Joy Lewis of Shepherdstown, raised more than $19,000 for Shepherd’s Last Dollar Fund, which helps bridge the vital gap for students in good academic standing who need assistance with tuition-related expenses.

Women Investing in Shepherd announces 2022 grant awardees

WISH, a women’s giving circle sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation, has awarded four grants totaling $127,500 to community nonprofits Berkeley Senior Services and the Shepherdstown Public Library, and Shepherd learning projects Department of Biology, and the Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center Campus Resource Scarcity Initiative.

Esperanza Alzona earns medals at international fencing competition

When she is not busy at her job as music operations manager in Shepherd’s School of Music, Esperanza Alzona can often be found at the hilt end of a sword practicing the sport of fencing.

Haynie named to DC Touchdown Club Honor Roll

Redshirt-sophomore kicker Jacob Haynie of the Rams football team has been named to the DC Touchdown Club Honor Roll. Haynie was one of five student-athletes to be honored. Haynie connected on a game-tying 42-yard field goal as regulation expired and the game-winning 23-yard field goal in overtime to lift Shepherd to a 26-23 win over California (Pa.) on September 17.

Bagent gains PSAC weekly honors

Senior quarterback Tyson Bagent of the Rams football team was named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week by the league office on September 19.

Rams football remain in top 5 in AFCA, D2Football.com polls

After an overtime win over California (Pa.), the Shepherd football team remained at number 5 in the D2Football.com poll and dropped one spot to number 5 in the AFCA poll. The Rams go on the road to play Kutztown on Saturday, September 24.

Sports Roundup

September 21: Women’s soccer edges Mansfield Read more »

September 21: Bloomsburg edges men’s soccer Read more »

September 19: Men’s golf team places sixth, women finish ninth at Gannon Tournaments Read more »

Upcoming Events

Friday, September 23

Last day to withdraw from first-half semester class (see advisor by noon)

6:30 p.m.—Mental Health Awareness Night at women’s volleyball match, sponsored by Shepherd Counseling Services, Butcher Center

7 p.m.—Volleyball vs. East Stroudsburg (Mental Health Awareness Night)

7 p.m.—Shepherdstown Film Society screening of award-winning film Dark Waters, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information)

Saturday, September 24

10 a.m.—Men’s cross country at Lock Haven Invitational (8K)

11 a.m.—Women’s cross country at Lock Haven Invitational (6K)

11 a.m.-9 p.m.—Appalachian Heritage Festival, Reynolds Hall and Butcher Center Plaza (more information)

11:30 a.m.—“Voices from Appalachia” radio show (listen online)

Noon—Football at Kutztown

2 p.m.—Volleyball vs. Kutztown

4 p.m.—Men’s soccer at Shippensburg

5 p.m.—“Anthology of Appalachian Writers, Volume XIV: Marie Manilla” book reading, sponsored by Four Seasons Books and the Shepherd University Foundation, Four Seasons Books, 116 W. German St., Shepherdstown (more information)

7 p.m.—Appalachian Heritage Festival concert “Women’s Voices in Appalachia” sponsored by Student Activities and Leadership, Program Board, and the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities, Frank Center Plaza (more information)

Monday, September 26

12:10-12:50 p.m.—Mindful Monday, Student Center Cumberland Room

6-8 p.m.—Phaze 2 Gallery, “Speculative Sex” exhibit, Center for Contemporary Art (more information)

7 p.m.—“Connected: Reflections on Ecology, Technology, and the Human Condition” with Dr. Jeff Groff, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information )

Tuesday, September 27

7 p.m.—“A Celebration of Appalachian Storytellers, Anthology of Appalachian Writers” with Marc Harshman and Marie Manilla, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information )

Wednesday, September 28

3:30 p.m.—Men’s soccer vs Lock Haven

6-8 p.m.—Phaze 2 Gallery, “Speculative Sex” exhibit, Center for Contemporary Art (more information)

7 p.m.—“The Writing Life” with Barbara Kingsolver, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information )

Thursday, September 29

2-3:30 p.m.—Writers Master Class with Barbara Kingsolver, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information )

6-8 p.m.—Phaze 2 Gallery, “Speculative Sex” exhibit, Center for Contemporary Art (more information)

7 p.m.—Scarborough Society Keynote with Barbara Kingsolver and AHWIR Awards Ceremony and Reception, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program, Frank Arts Center Theater (more information )

Friday, September 30

3-4 p.m.—Farewell and Thank You for Monica Lingenfelter, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education rotunda

7 p.m.—Volleyball at West Chester

7 p.m.—“Stories from the Heartland” with Adam Booth, sponsored by the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information )

Saturday, October 1

11:30 a.m.—“Voices from Appalachia” radio show (listen online)

Noon—Football at Shippensburg

2 p.m.—Men’s soccer at Frostburg State

2 p.m.—Volleyball at Millersville

Monday, October 3

First day of midterm exams

12:10-12:50 p.m.—Mindful Monday, Student Center Cumberland Room

Tuesday, October 4

1 p.m.—Men’s soccer at Mercyhurst

Wednesday, October 5

6-8 p.m.—Meet the Firms, Student Center Storer Ballroom, sponsored by the Accounting Club (more information)

Thursday, October 6

7:30 p.m.—Shepherd Salon Series, “Rhythm, Spice, and Everything Nice,” W.H. Shipley Recital Hall (more information)

Friday, October 7

Last day of midterm exams

Last day to apply online for May and August 2023 graduation

6 p.m.—Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet and Awards Ceremony, Student Center Storer Ballroom (RSVP required)

7 p.m.—Volleyball vs. Lock Haven

Saturday, October 8

11:30 a.m.—“Voices from Appalachia” radio show (listen online)

Noon—Football vs Lock Haven (Hall of Fame Weekend)

1 p.m.—Men’s soccer vs. East Stroudsburg

4 p.m.—Volleyball vs. Bloomsburg

Monday, October 10

Second-half semester classes begin

7:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m.—School of Music Visitation Day (more information)

9 a.m.—Midterm grades due

12:10-12:50 p.m.—Mindful Monday, Student Center Cumberland Room

Tuesday, October 11

Midterm grades available on RAIL

5 p.m.—“Science Stories in Fabric” artist talk with Dr. Laura Robertson, associate professor of biology, Scarborough Library Reading Room

Wednesday, October 12

6 p.m.—Men’s soccer at Millersville

Thursday, October 13

6-8 p.m.— Outstanding Alumna of the Year & Finest Under 40 award ceremony and reception, sponsored by the Shepherd University Alumni Association, Erma Ora Byrd Hall (RSVP required)

Friday, October 14

7 a.m.—31st Annual Alumni Association Golf Tournament, The Club at Cress Creek, Shepherdstown, West Virginia (more information)

5-7 p.m.—College of Business Reunion Dinner, Student Center Storer Ballroom (RSVP required)

6:30 p.m.—Shepherd University Athletic Club (SUAC) Homecoming Party, Smallwood & Small Pavilion, free and open to the public (RSVP requested)

7 p.m.—Volleyball vs. Shippensburg

7:30 p.m.—Jazz at Shepherd, Jazz Ensemble Concert, Frank Arts Center Theater (tickets required)

Saturday, October 15

8:45 a.m.—Ram Band reunion practice, Ken Boone Field House, Ram Stadium

9 a.m.—Alumni Breakfast on the Lawn, sponsored by the Shepherd University Alumni Association, McMurran Hall Lawn

10 a.m.—Homecoming Parade, German St.

11:30 a.m.—“Voices from Appalachia” radio show (listen online)

11:45—Ram Band reunion pre-game, Ken Boone Field House, Ram Stadium

Noon—Football vs. Millersville (Homecoming)

Post-game Party, sponsored by the Shepherd University Alumni Association, Great American Brewing Company, 16609 Shepherdstown Pike, Sharpsburg, Maryland (immediately following the football game)

12:30 p.m.—Women’s cross country at Inter-Regional Border Battle (6k)

1 p.m.—Women’s soccer vs. East Stroudsburg (Homecoming)

1:15 p.m.—Men’s cross country at Inter-Regional Border Battle (8k)

3:30 p.m.—Men’s soccer vs. Shippensburg (Homecoming)

Sunday, October 16

2:30 p.m.—Shepherd Music Voice Faculty Recital, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Dr., Hagerstown, Maryland (tickets required)

Monday, October 17

12:10-12:50 p.m.—Mindful Monday, Student Center Cumberland Room

6:30 p.m.—President’s Lecture Series “Innovation is a Contact Sport” by Ret. Rear Admiral Jay Cohen, sponsored by the President’s Office and Lifelong Learning, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium (more information)

Tuesday, October 18

12:30-3:30 p.m.—Flu shot and COVID bivalent booster clinic, sponsored by the Shepherd Health Center and Shepherdstown Pharmacy, Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center

7 p.m.—Art and Lecture Series: “Astrobiology’s Three Big Questions” with William Kramer, Ph.D., sponsored by the Scarborough Society and Shepherd University Foundation, Scarborough Library Reading Room

Shepherd University news and events are available here.

Shepherd Athletics news and schedules are available here.

To submit an idea for a future issue, email University Communications.

Dana L. Costa

Executive Director, University Communications

Shepherd University

P.O. Box 5000

Shepherdstown, WV 25443-5000