Vol. 6, No. 35 • March 18, 2022
President’s Points of Pride
Our campus has been abuzz with good news lately! You may have heard some of this news, but please indulge me while I celebrate Shepherd’s most recent success:
- The Center of Excellence for Photobiomodulation at Shepherd University ribbon cutting is Monday, March 21. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive, light-based therapy used to combat pain by boosting cell and tissue regeneration. The Center will offer PBM sessions to the public, as well as focus on PBM research, education, testing, and advocacy. Please join us at the Wellness Center on Monday, March 21 at 9 a.m. for the ribbon-cutting ceremony where you can see the equipment and sign up to try PBM therapy (your first three sessions are free).
- Just yesterday, Governor Jim Justice announced that Shepherd’s School of Nursing was selected to receive $998,709 for “The Future of YOU: Be a Nurse.” This three-pronged initiative aims to raise enrollment, improve retention, and accelerate degree completion. Funds will be used for scholarships, recruitment, student support, and enhanced technology. These funds were allotted to the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) by Governor Justice specifically for nursing workforce enhancement projects.
- Earlier this week, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, which included almost $6.9 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) appropriations for Shepherd projects. The projects funded through these appropriations will help make Shepherd safer, more inclusive, and more connected. Included in the funding are projects to make education more accessible to West Virginians in rural locations. The appropriations will also fund portions of the East Loop Project, specifically building demolition and the creation of a welcoming gateway to our beautiful campus. We are incredibly grateful to Senators Capito and Manchin for their generous support for our proposals.
- As the State closed its legislative session last weekend, we are happy with the work accomplished to support higher education in our State, and specifically Shepherd University. The Legislature adopted a State Budget for FY23 which allocates a net increase for Shepherd of about $340,000, as was proposed by the Governor, and completed HB4008, formally authorizing a funding formula for higher education. The HEPC will begin working on a rule to implement a new performance-based funding formula. It will not make immediate changes in funding allocations but will establish a data-driven framework for allocating increases fairly in future years—for all West Virginia institutions of higher learning. Planning for campus pay raises will continue as we work to also complete projections for the University’s comprehensive FY23 budget. The federal “earmarks” (explained above) will produce enormous benefits for several key projects and programs on campus but cannot be used toward our employee pay raise expenses.
In the weeks to come, we expect more wonderful news, and I look forward to sharing it with you.
Center of Excellence for Photobiomodulation at Shepherd University opens Monday with ribbon-cutting, information seminars
The Center of Excellence for Photobiomodulation at Shepherd University is opening its doors on March 21 with two days of informational seminars to educate health professionals, scientists, and lawmakers on photobiomodulation (PBM) as a clinical treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions that lack effective treatment today. The Center’s main objectives will be to partner with the PBM Foundation and the Shepherd University School of Nursing to promote PBM as a mainstream clinical treatment for chronic pain relief, deaddiction from substance abuse, and recovery from lingering COVID-19 infections, among others. Currently, the Center is offering the community the opportunity to experience three free PBM therapies between March 23 and May 1. After May 1, PBM services will be offered at $40 a session, with discounts for multiple sessions. Visit the PBM website for more information and plan to join the celebration by attending the ribbon cutting at the Wellness Center on Monday, March 21, at 9 a.m.
Shipley earns elite PeopleAdmin status
Donna Shipley has achieved the status of PeopleAdmin Certified Administrator. The PeopleAdmin Certified Administrator program equips users with the necessary knowledge to make a strategic impact on their institution using the Higher Ed Platform. The completion of this four-week (24 hours) course places individuals in an elite category as a PeopleAdmin partner and an expert Higher Ed Platform user. Donna has been at Shepherd for 16 years, serving as Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) Specialist since 2015. She currently is leading the implementation of PeopleAdmin 7 for the campus. Donna is well known not only for her technical expertise but also for her friendliness, humor, and outstanding customer service skills. Congratulations, Donna!
Robotics Club participates in first VEX U league competition
The Shepherd Robotics Club competed at Fairmont State University in a West Virginia college and university VEX U robotics league event on March 11. The team, sponsored by JLG Industries in Hagerstown and mentored by Jessica Butcher, adjunct computer science mathematics professor, ranked sixth out of 10 in its first time competing. See photos of the team and the competition online.
Common Reading Program sponsors essay contest, voting for next year’s book
The Common Reading program is encouraging the campus and community to help choose the next common reading book and take part in essay contests based on this year’s selection, Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom. The deadline for voting and entering the essay contests is April 1. There are two essay contests—one for students and one for community members. Students can learn more by visiting the Student Essay Contest webpage. Information about the non-student contest is available on the Community Essay Contest webpage. You can help choose next year’s book by visiting the voting page, where descriptions of the five semi-finalist books are available. The book receiving the most votes will serve as the Shepherd common reading next fall and spring semesters. Voting is open to the public.
Spring into Service!
The Division of Student Affairs and the Stubblefield Institute's ListenLearnEngage Initiative have partnered to build a stronger community together through service and celebration! Students and employees are invited to sign-up for a service project on RamPulse to take place from 1-4 p.m. on April 1, then return to campus for a community celebration from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This "Spring into Service" event will be the launch of the Shepherd University Service Series, which will run throughout the year to strengthen our community through service. For those who join one of the dedicated service projects, there will be a celebration on campus afterward including free food, fun activities, and a raffle with prizes and gift certificates from Shepherdstown businesses! Check RamPulse for more information on the service projects and celebration. Registration closes at 5 p.m., Friday, March 25.
News
School of Nursing to host free March 22 photobiomodulation class
Shepherd is hosting a photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy training course on Tuesday, March 22, from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in Erma Ora Byrd Hall. The free daylong course is worth eight continuing education units in nursing provided by the Shepherd University School of Nursing.
University receives $6.7 million in federal money for various projects
Shepherd is receiving $6.7 million in appropriations from the $1.5 trillion spending bill Congress passed last week that President Biden signed on Tuesday. Senators Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who both serve on the Appropriations Committee, requested the money to support various projects across campus.
Criminal Justice Lecture Series to feature North Carolina attorney on March 23
Shepherd’s Criminal Justice Lecture Series will host a talk by Morris F. McAdoo titled “The Legal Profession and the Many Opportunities for Public Service” on Wednesday, March 23, at 1 p.m. via Zoom. The lecture is free and open to the public.
School of Music to host March 25 symphonic band concert
The Shepherd Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Scott Hippensteel, will present “Ayres and Dances,” an evening of band songs and dances from the band literature of Malcolm Arnold, Jack Stamp, Thomas Allen, Ron Nelson, John Philip Sousa, Michael Mogensen, and James Barnes on Friday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center Theater. A pre-concert lecture describing the works will begin at 7 p.m.
Rude Mechanicals perform in Florida
The Rude Mechanicals Medieval and Renaissance Players, under the direction of Dr. Betty Ellzey, performed Joseph’s Wedding, a 16th-Spanish play, at the New College Conference on Medieval and Renaissance Studies in Sarasota, Florida, on Friday, March 4, as part of the conference’s Performance Series.
Musical Showcase for Scholarships to take place April 2
After a two-year hiatus, the Shepherd University School of Music’s Musical Showcase for Scholarships will return for its first in-person event since 2019. Tickets are now on sale for the concert, which will take place Saturday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center Theater. This year’s showcase will feature current students, alumni, and faculty collaborations, highlighting the legacy of Shepherd University and its music program. A meet-the-artist reception will follow the performance.
March 22 President’s Lecture to explore activism in Black Civil War soldiers
Shepherd’s President’s Lecture Series will present Stephen A. Goldman, M.D., with a talk titled “Warriors in Peace: White and Black Union Veterans and the Fight for Equality in Post-Civil War America” on Tuesday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium. The event is free and open to the public and will be available via Zoom.
Mulhall earns NCBWA Atlantic Region Hitter of the Week honors
Junior first baseman Ross Mulhall of the Shepherd baseball team was named National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Atlantic Region Hitter of the Week on Tuesday.
Daggett first Ram men’s basketball player named a CoSIDA Academic All-America
Senior forward Kyle Daggett of the Shepherd men's basketball team has been named to the 2021-22 Academic All-America® men's basketball teams selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Daggett was a third team selection. He is the first Shepherd men's basketball player to gain this honor.
Beeman, Clayton named to Atlantic Region All-Tournament Team
Junior guard Abby Beeman and graduate student forward Sydney Clayton of the Shepherd women's basketball team have been named to the All-Atlantic All-Tournament Team.
Shepherd women’s basketball tops Gannon in double-overtime thriller
Junior guard Abby Beeman had 34 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds, and eight steals to lead Shepherd to a 93-89 double-overtime win over Gannon in first-round action of the NCAA II Atlantic Regional Tournament action at Glenville State on Friday, March 11. Shepherd's 25 wins set a program record eclipsing the old mark of 24 held by the 2007-08 team.
Shepherd women’s basketball falls to #3 Glenville State in regional semifinals
Graduate student forward Sydney Clayton led the Rams with 26 points in an 82-70 loss to #3 Glenville State in semifinal action of the NCAA II Atlantic Regional Tournament action at Glenville State on Saturday, March 12. Sophomore guard Jordan Smith added a season-high 14 points, while graduate student guard Marley McLaughlin and junior guard Abby Beeman each scored 11. Beeman added a game and career-high 15 assists to post her 10th double-double of the season.
Shepherd men’s golf finishes 15th at Brown Golf Intercollegiate; Deener, Scafide compete for the women
The Shepherd men's golf team shot a two-day total of 652 to rank 15th in a 19-team field at the Brown Golf Intercollegiate. Sophomore Amanda Deener and sophomore Ciara Scafide competed for the Rams in the women's competition.
Mulhall earns PSAC East Athlete of the Week honors
Junior first baseman Ross Mulhall of the Shepherd baseball team has been named PSAC East Athlete of the Week as announced by the league on Monday, March 14.
Shepherd Sports Score Roundup
Shepherd tennis teams split at Hilton Head
Shepherd softball drops pair in Florida
Shepherd tennis teams post wins at Hilton Head
Shepherd baseball sweeps Mansfield
Shepherd baseball tops Alderson Broaddus
Shepherd women’s lacrosse downed at Bloomsburg
Upcoming Events
Friday, March 18
Women’s and men’s tennis (Hilton Head Spring Break Tournament, Hilton Head, South Carolina)
2 p.m.—Baseball at Bloomsburg
3:45 p.m.—Shepherd vs. New Haven (The Spring Games, Winter Haven, Florida)
6:45 p.m.—Shepherd vs. Minnesota Crookston (The Spring Games, Winter Haven, Florida)
Saturday, March 19
9 a.m.—Shepherd vs. Le Moyne (The Spring Games, Winter Haven, Florida)
11:15 a.m.—Shepherd vs. Dominican (The Spring Games, Winter Haven, Florida)
Noon—Baseball vs. Bloomsburg
1 p.m.—Women’s lacrosse vs. Shippensburg
2:30 p.m.—Baseball vs. Bloomsburg
Monday, March 21
Women’s golf (Crofton Invitational, Crofton, Maryland)
9 a.m.—Center of Excellence for Photobiomodulation at Shepherd University ribbon cutting, Wellness Center (free and open to the public)
9 a.m.-4 p.m.—First day of Summer 2022 RAIL registration for continuing students
10 a.m.-6 p.m.—Homage African American History Exhibit, Storer Ballroom, Student Center
6:30-7:30 p.m.—Teaching Cultural Proficiency with dialogue about the Homage Exhibit, Storer Ballroom, Student Center
Tuesday, March 22
Women’s golf (Cardinal Classic, Hagerstown, Maryland)
10 a.m.-6 p.m.—Homage African American Women’s History Exhibit, Storer Ballroom, Student Center
6:30 p.m.—President’s Lecture: Dr. Stephen Goldman, Warriors in Peace: White and Black Union Veterans and the Fight for Equality in Post-Civil War America, Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium
Wednesday, March 23
First day of academic advisement for continuing students for summer/fall 2022
1:10 p.m.—Criminal Justice Lecture Series: The Legal Profession and the Many Opportunities for Public Service (via Zoom)
2 p.m.—Women’s and men’s tennis vs. Fairmont State
Friday, March 25
2 p.m.—Baseball at Shippensburg
Saturday, March 26
Noon—Baseball vs. Shippensburg
1 p.m.—Women’s and men’s tennis vs. Edinboro
1 p.m.—Women’s lacrosse vs. East Stroudsburg
2:30 p.m.—Baseball vs. Shippensburg
Sunday, March 27
Women’s golf (Cardinal Classic, Hagerstown, Maryland)
1 p.m.—Women’s tennis vs. California (Pa.)
1 p.m.—Men’s tennis vs. Mercyhurst
Tuesday, March 29
Noon—Baseball vs. Bluefield State
2:30 p.m.—Baseball vs. Bluefield State
Friday, April 1
11 a.m.-1 p.m.—First Friday, Midway. Sponsored by Jefferson Security Bank.
2 p.m.—Baseball vs. Kutztown
Saturday, April 2
Noon—Baseball at Kutztown
2 p.m.—Dedication of the Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center, Wellness Center (free and open to the public)
2:30 p.m.—Baseball at Kutztown
7:30 p.m.—Musical Showcase for Scholarships, Frank Arts Center Theater (tickets required)
Monday, April 4
9 a.m.-4 p.m.—First day of fall 2022 RAIL registration for continuing students
9 a.m.—Art Exhibit: Physical and Cultural Bodies by Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic, Reading Room, Scarborough Library
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
