Vol. 6, No. 10 • September 3, 2021
President's Points of Pride
Exciting technology changes are coming soon — as VoIP telephony is ready for deployment throughout the Shepherd University enterprise. We will be decommissioning our primarily analog, hosted telephony network and transitioning to Cisco WebEx’s cloud-based voice over IP (VoIP) technology. This is an extremely large step in the direction of a fully converged network, as well as moving the University forward toward the Internet of Things (IoT). Shepherd University IT Services will begin configuration, implementation, and affiliated training following a strategic, phased-in, per-building approach, with a scheduled completion of June 2022. Users interested in learning more details about the benefits of VoIP, beyond the cost savings, can visit the VoIP Information page located on the Shepherd IT Services website.
Witt selected to head financial aid at Shepherd University
Jacob Witt has been named Shepherd's director of financial aid, bringing to the University over 14 years of experience in federal financial aid regulations for master’s, bachelor’s, associates, and diploma/certificate programs. From 2016-2021, Jacob served as assistant vice president of financial aid services/operations at the American Public University System and has served in a variety of financial aid roles at various institutions, including Longwood University and Corinthian Colleges. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from Hampden-Sydney College and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at American Public University.
“We are thrilled to have Jacob join the enrollment management team at Shepherd,” said Kelly Hart, vice president for enrollment management. “He will lead a dedicated financial aid team focused on providing excellent customer service to our Shepherd students and families. His professional background and experience will be instrumental in building upon the legacy of Joyce Cabral as she retires this month. I would like to extend a special thank you to members of the search committee: Kahlen Browning, Dr. Marie DeWalt, Danielle Stephenson, and Bea Stottlemyer.”
Jacob begins his new position on September 13th.
Research!America opens applications for early-career microgrants
Applications are now open for Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program, now in its fourth year. Microgrants of up to $4,000 will be awarded to graduate student and postdoc-led groups in the STEM and social sciences to design projects that create dialogue with public officials, local community leaders, and the public around issues of common concern. Applications are due by midnight on Monday, October 4, 2021. Shepherd President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix serves on the Research!America board.
Stubblefield Institute debuts 2nd season of podcast
The Stubblefield Institute kicks off season two of Upstream Downstream with Shepherd University's Holly Frye. Host David Welch sits down with Holly to discuss how the University handled the preparation for in-person learning and the challenges faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and its continual challenges to daily living, learning, and working. Listen live on 89.7 WSHC-FM at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 4, or listen whenever you'd like on Anchor, Breaker, Google Podcasts, and Spotify. These programs are made possible thanks to the partnership of WSHC-FM and the Listen Learn Engage Initiative as well as the hard work from host David Welch, producer Sarah Burke, and assistant producer and editor Bianca Ison.
Scarborough Library updates and information
Each month this fall, the Scarborough Library will hold a seminar to show you how to get the most out of WorldCat Discovery, which is like an online catalog…but so much more. All are welcome but be sure to sign up online. The next seminar is Wednesday, September 15 at 2 p.m. and is offered in-person and online. A quick reminder: The Library closes on home-football Saturdays; the first game day is September 25. The 24-hour room will be closed from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Student Involvement Fair scheduled for Wednesday, September 8
The Office of Student Activities and Leadership will sponsor the Student Involvement Fair on Wednesday, September 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. across from Potomac Place on West Campus. This event allows students to connect with Shepherd's diverse student groups, pick up information on leadership and service opportunities, and learn how they can get involved on campus. The event will also feature the launch of the I ❤️ Shepherd initiative, so wear your t-shirt! Don’t have a t-shirt? Come to the event to find out how to get one!
In the News
Shepherd School of Music presents master class with Veronika Jackson
Shepherd University’s School of Music will present a master class with Atlanta-based acoustic folk blues musician Veronika Jackson on Friday, September 10, at 1 p.m. The class, which will take place in person in the Frank Center, is free and open to the public. Participants must register in advance.
Roaming Rams head to sunny Portugal in 2022
The Shepherd University Alumni Association (SUAA) is making plans to host its fourth Roaming Rams Travel Program trip, Sunny Portugal, in spring 2022 and is offering two information sessions for those interested in going on the trip.
Fall Music Salon Series kicks off on September 16
The 2021-2022 Shepherd University Music Salon Series, sponsored by Jefferson Security Bank, returns this season to live performances beginning with a concert featuring music by saxophonist John Coltrane. Dr. Kurtis Adams, director, School of Music, and Kevin Pace, adjunct faculty bassist, will perform with guitarist Peter Heiss and drummer Kelton Norris. The free concert will take place Thursday, September 16, at 6:30 p.m. on the Butcher Center Plaza.
Bagnet, Lane named to D2Football.com preseason All-America team
Junior quarterback Tyson Bagent and senior linebacker Chrys Lane of the Shepherd football team have been named to the 2021 D2football.com preseason All-America team. Bagent garnered first-team honors and Lane was a second-team choice.
Women's volleyball named favorite in PSAC East
Shepherd University has been picked as the favorite in the 2021 PSAC Volleyball preseason poll released by the league office on August 26. The Rams open the 2021 season on September 3 (today!) when they travel to Indiana (Pa.) to face Frostburg State at 2:30 p.m. and Tusculum at 5 p.m.
2021 team captains selected for women's soccer
Head women's soccer coach Sam Odell announced the team captains for the 2021 season. Senior defender Alyssa Nazarok, junior forward/midfielder Sara Hohn, and sophomore midfielder/forward Paris Kimbrell were selected as team captains.
Upcoming Events
Friday, September 3
2:30 p.m. Women's volleyball vs. Frostburg State
5 p.m. Women's volleyball vs. Tusculum
8 p.m. Men's and women's cross country at Shippensburg
Saturday, September 4
1 p.m. Men's soccer vs. Goldey-Beacom
4:30 p.m. Women's volleyball vs. Ohio Dominican (at Indiana, PA)
7 p.m. Women's volleyball vs. Indiana, PA
Monday, September 6
Labor Day — University closed
Wednesday, September 8
1 p.m. Men's soccer at Felician
1 p.m. Women's soccer vs. Shippensburg
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Student Involvement Fair, across from Potomac Place
Friday, September 10
6 p.m. Women's volleyball at Lincoln
Saturday, September 11
noon Football at Gannon
noon Women's volleyball at Goldey-Beacom
1 p.m. Women's soccer vs. West Chester
2 p.m. Women's volleyball vs. Mercy (Wilmington, DE)
Sunday, September 12
1 p.m. Men's soccer vs. Pitt-Johnstown
Monday, September 13
4:10 p.m. Fall assembly, Erma Ora Byrd Auditorium and via Zoom
Wednesday, September 15
Thursday, September 16
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
