Vol. 6, No. 22 • December 3, 2021
President’s Points of Pride
We are collectively sprinting for the finish line of a highly successful Fall semester! However, how does one define success during a pandemic? Our COVID-related incidents remain low and manageable—and our campus staff and students are in a safe environment. Our students are preparing for final exams following a semester of inspirational teaching from our outstanding faculty. Our student-athletes are competing successfully and leading the rankings across several sports. Particularly noteworthy is the well-deserved recognition Tyson Bagent (our football quarterback) is receiving at the national level—for his remarkable passing game, especially under tremendous pressure with seconds left on the clock in the riveting performance against Notre Dame. ESPN highlighted Tyson Bagent’s record on national TV, and sportscasters have commented that “he certainly qualifies for the Heisman trophy.” Bagent is a finalist for the distinguished Harlon Hill Award. Based on the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, more people are recognizing the stature of Shepherd University. Dreams and goals can be accomplished through hard work, dedication, and extraordinary perseverance. #We-Are-Shepherd-Proud
Join fellow football fans at Shepherd watch party
The Shepherd University Alumni Association is hosting a football watch party for the quarterfinal match between Shepherd and Kutztown on Saturday, December 4. Enjoy light refreshments, a live stream of the Shepherd vs. Kutztown game in the Storer Ballroom (Student Center, 3rd floor), and plenty of cheering for our team! Doors open at 11 a.m. Game kicks off at 12:05 p.m. You must RSVP by Friday, December 2 (today!) at 9:30 a.m. Important note: COVID-19 protocols will be followed and masks will be required except when eating or drinking.
Miss West Virginia Jaelyn Wratchford preps for Miss America competition
Shepherd has been the academic home to several young women who were crowned Miss West Virginia. This year, Jaelyn Wratchford holds that honor. Starting December 12, Jaelyn will be at the Mohegan Sun Resort in Connecticut competing with other young women from around the U.S. The long days culminate in the final event on Thursday, December 16, where the new Miss America will don that sparkling crown. If you want to follow Jaelyn’s journey, tune in to the finals, streaming live on Peacock. To learn more about Jaelyn and her path to the 100th Miss America competition, read this article in The Journal (article may be behind paywall).
Ram fever spreads beyond the Eastern Panhandle
Proud to be a Ram fundraising campaign update
This year’s Thankful to be a Ram giving program earned more than $71,000 for Shepherd athletic programs. Thank you to the more than 450 donors from 19 states whose donations will have an immediate impact on our teams and student-athletes through investments in new equipment, facility enhancements, team travel needs, and much more. Let’s also give a big shout-out to the golf, softball, and lacrosse programs, which were the top three teams in terms of the percentage of money raised compared to their goal. Each of these three programs raised more than 100% of their goals, with golf leading the charge at 156% of their goal! Even though the friendly fundraising competition among our sports teams ended on November 21, you can donate online to Shepherd athletics at any time.
Giving Tuesday: We want to say, thank you!
Thank you to everyone who donated and to those who shared the messages on social media during Giving Tuesday on November 30. Together we raised $17,000 in 24 hours, all to support unique initiatives that impact critical areas of the Shepherd campus—113 percent of our goal! Here are the final results from the #RamsGivingTuesday campaign. While 32 percent of the overall campaign donors were members of the faculty and staff, if you drill down, faculty and staff donors to the Campus Technology Fund totaled 58 percent. Thank you for showing that this is a priority for this campus, and know that fundraising to improve campus technology does not end with this campaign. If you still wish to donate to these Giving Tuesday initiatives or any other fundraising program, visit the Shepherd University Foundation website or contact Christine Meyer.
Adjunct faculty member appointed to state review board
Stephen McPherson, adjunct faculty in the School of Education has recently accepted a state appointment to the West Virginia Department of Education’s Educator Preparation Program Review Board. Stephen is one of six members of the state board determining the acceptance or denial of changes in Educator Preparation Programs in Schools of Education in the state of West Virginia. He collaborates with a team of education professionals around the state to analyze and approve or deny program changes if they represent more than 25 percent of a change in programs offered by an institution. Well done, Stephen!
Kelly Hart joins Board of CASA of the Eastern Panhandle
Dr. Kelly Hart, vice president for enrollment management, was recently named to the Board of Directors of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Eastern Panhandle. CASA, according to its website, “…believe[s] in the rights and dignity of children. We are committed to putting that belief to work for children who have been abused or neglected. And we hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence in service.” Congratulations, Dr. Hart, on being named to the CASA Board!
Don’t miss Sunday Night Bitez!
Bill Stubblefield named 2022 Berkeley County Distinguished Citizen
Generous Shepherd supporter Bill Stubblefield was named the 27th recipient of the Berkeley County Distinguished Citizen Award, presented by the Berkeley County Division of the Shenandoah Area Council’s Potomac District. He is being recognized for a lifetime of service to his nation and to his adopted community. Dr. Stubblefield and his wife, Dr. Bonnie Stubblefield, established the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications at Shepherd University, where he serves on its Board of Advisors. To read more about Dr. Bill Stubblefield’s background and service to the region, read this article published by The Journal on November 26 (article may be behind paywall).
VoIP project update
Just before Thanksgiving break, Director of IT Services Joey Dagg shared an update on the Voice over IP (VoIP) phone project, which will change over all phones on campus to VoIP technology. In case you missed it, here are some highlights:
- Project teams have been diligently working with our technology partners to convert existing phone lines to the new VoIP infrastructure while ensuring communication goes uninterrupted.
- A project this size always presents unplanned challenges. Project teams continue to manage these challenges and adjust the conversion schedule to ensure a full migration takes place prior to the end of Spring semester 2022.
- As phone lines begin to convert, the old system cannot integrate with the new. Users on the old system can dial extensions to old users and users on the new system can dial extensions to new users. This is only temporary until all numbers are converted. The safest way to ensure users still on the old system can make calls directly to the desired party, is to dial the full phone number and not just the four-digit extension. This will ensure that calls are routed properly regardless of the system being used.
- If users get a message indicating that a number is not in service or unavailable, that individual/group is most likely in the process of having their line converted to VoIP.
- As of this writing, users on VoIP include IT Services, HR, the General Counsel’s Office, and Marketing.
- Efforts to expedite the conversion are actively underway. Expect to receive more information the week of December 6 about steps to be taken to improve our project delivery.
As with any change, there is excitement, but also challenges. We are here to help. Knowing there are numerous questions and uncertainties, as each phone number for conversion comes up, project teams will be reaching out to users to help best prepare them for expectations upon conversion. Users are highly encouraged to regularly visit the VoIP Information webpage, located here on the IT Services website, for further information pertaining to the VoIP telephony project.
News
Shepherd University Foundation starts new Appalachian studies friends group
The Shepherd University Foundation announces the creation of Allies for Appalachia, a group dedicated to supporting the work and community outreach of the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities at Shepherd and its campus programs.
Women’s volleyball season comes to a stellar close
Last-second win over Notre Dame propels football team to third round of playoffs
The football team treated fans to a thrilling game on Saturday, November 27, at Ram Stadium, over Notre Dame College. Junior quarterback Tyson Bagent fired a 23-yard scoring strike to graduate student wide receiver Josh Gontarek with 1.9 seconds left in regulation to lift Shepherd to a 38-34 win over Notre Dame. The Rams head to Kutztown on Saturday, December 4, for the Super Region One final. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. and will be broadcast live on local Channel 10 and 95.9 FM radio (The Big Dawg), streamed live on the PSAC Sports Digital Network,
or watched with other Ram Fans at the Rams Den Watch Party.
Bagent named finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy as Division II Football Player of the Year
Following regional voting, the Little Rock Touchdown Club, in conjunction with the Great American Conference, revealed that junior quarterback Tyson Bagent is one of the eight finalists for the 2021 Harlon Hill Trophy, the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year. Bagent, the 2021 PSAC East Offensive Player of the Year, has led the Rams to a 12-1 mark this year. Bagent ranks first nationally in passing yards per game (346.4), passing yards (4,503), passing touchdowns (51), points responsible for (320), and total offense (353.7). Additionally, he helps Shepherd rank first in NCAA Division II in total offense (529.0) and scoring offense (47.6).
Gontarek named to DC Touchdown Club Honor Roll
Graduate student wide receiver Josh Gontarek of the Shepherd football team has been named to the DC Touchdown Club Honor Roll. Gontarek was one of six student-athletes to earn this honor. Gontarek had seven receptions for 79 yards, including the game-winning catch on a 23-yard score with 1.9 seconds left in Shepherd's 38-34 win over Notre Dame on Saturday.
Public auditions scheduled for spring musical
Shepherd’s School of Music is hosting auditions for its spring musical, “The Making of Motown: An Original Musical Revue” on Monday, December 6, and Tuesday, December 7, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center W.H. Shipley Recital Hall. The auditions are open to the public, with signups starting onsite at 6:30 p.m.
Scholarship created in memory of former provost Scott Beard
The Shepherd University Foundation announces the creation of an endowed scholarship in memory of the late Dr. Scott Beard, who served as Shepherd’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. The Scott Beard and Alan Gibson Endowed Scholarship for Music and Nursing is designated for music majors and students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree program.
Community Music program to present December 8 concert
Shepherd’s Community Music program will present a fall ensembles recital, on Wednesday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center Theater, featuring the Community String Orchestra under the direction of Camilo Perez-Mejia and the Youth Chorus under the direction of Dr. Austin Showen.
Foundation announces first recipient of the Henriksson History Award
The Shepherd University Foundation announces Belle Erikson, a sophomore from Washington County, Pennsylvania, as the first recipient of the Henriksson History Award for the 2021-2022 academic year. Funded by Anders and Ann Henriksson, the annual scholarship award supports history majors at Shepherd University.
Hohn named to D2CCA All-Atlantic Region Team
Junior midfielder Sara Hohn of the Shepherd women's soccer team has been named to the 2021 D2CCA All-Atlantic Region Team. Hohn earned second-team accolades.
Shepherd women’s basketball ranked fifth in region
The unbeaten Shepherd women's basketball team is ranked fifth in the latest D2SIDA Women's Basketball Atlantic Region Poll for November 29. Shepherd posted an 88-60 win over Virginia Union on November 22. The Rams return to action tonight when they host Gannon at 5:30 p.m. at the Butcher Center.
Shepherd men down West Virginia Wesleyan for fourth straight win
Sophomore guard Daniel McClain-Corley scored 16 points and senior forward Kyle Daggett added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds to lead Shepherd to 61-39 win over West Virginia Wesleyan in men's basketball action at the Butcher Center on November 28. The Rams are back on the court tonight when they host Gannon in a Friday night doubleheader.
Six Rams gain All-Super Region One honors; Bagent named Offensive Player of the Year
Six members of the Shepherd football team have been named to the 2021 D2CCA All-Super Region One Team. Junior quarterback Tyson Bagent, who was named Offensive Player of the Year, was the only first-team selection. Redshirt-freshman wide receiver Ryan Beach, junior offensive lineman Joey Fisher, graduate student offensive lineman Eric Ostrow, senior linebacker Chrys Lane, and graduate student safety Ponce Deleon were second-team selections.
Upcoming Events
Friday, December 3
Last day of classes
Last day for complete withdrawal from semester
5:30 p.m.—Women’s basketball vs. Gannon (bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots!)
7:30 p.m.—Men’s basketball vs. Gannon (bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots!)
Saturday, December 4
5:30 p.m.—Women’s basketball vs. Clarion
7:30 p.m.—Men’s basketball vs. Clarion
Sunday, December 5
Monday, December 6
Finals
Tuesday, December 7
Finals
Wednesday, December 8
Finals
7:30 p.m.—Shepherd’s Community Music fall recitals, Frank Arts Center Theater (tickets required)
Thursday, December 9
Finals
Friday, December 10
Last Day of Finals
Saturday, December 11
1 p.m.—Men’s basketball vs. Virginia Union
1 p.m.—Women’s basketball at Virginia State
Monday, December 13
3 p.m.—Board of Governors committee meeting: Finance and Facilities, Zoom
Tuesday, December 14
Grades available on RAIL
5:30 p.m.—Women’s basketball at Pitt-Johnstown
7:30 p.m.—Men’s basketball at Pitt-Johnstown
Thursday, December 16
3-4 p.m.—Board of Governors committee meeting: Academic Programs and Development, Storer Ballroom 302, Student Center
3-4 p.m.—Board of Governors committee meeting: Enrollment and Student and Community Affairs, Cumberland Room 223, Student Center
4:15 p.m.—Board of Governors meeting, Storer Ballroom 302, Student Center
Saturday, December 18
1 p.m.—Women’s basketball at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
3 p.m.—Men’s basketball at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Shepherd University news and events are available here.
Athletics news and schedules are available here.
Dana L. Costa
Executive Director, University Communications
Shepherd University
P.O. Box 5000
Shepherdstown WV 25443-5000
