Shepherd University

This proposal outlines a plan for administrative alignments and academic affairs transformation at Shepherd University. Prompted by feedback on prior structural adjustments and a return to sound financial footing, the proposal focuses on optimizing academic organization to support future growth and programmatic innovations. Key realignments include placing the School of Education and the Office of Sponsored Programs directly under the Provost, with an emphasis on student-centered outcomes and cost-neutral implementation. The proposed changes are designed to be implemented for the new academic year following board approval.

The agenda for the meeting included several key discussion items across various reports. The Consent Agenda involved the approval of the Minutes from the December 18, 2025, Board Meeting. The Presentation Agenda covered the President's Report, updates from the Academic Programs and Enrollment Committee, including an Intent to Plan for a Master of Social Work program, and reports from the Student Affairs, Athletics, and University Relations Committee, and the Finance and Facilities Committee. The Regular Session included New Business, followed by an Executive Session to discuss matters of honoraria, pending legal matters, and pending personnel matters.

The Shepherd University Board of Governors meeting agenda includes discussions on various topics such as the President's report, academic affairs, enrollment, student and community affairs, finance and facilities, and strategic planning. The board will consider approving amendments to bylaws and utility easements. There will be updates on academic programs, athletics, campus services, enrollment management, sponsored programs, student affairs, capital projects, development, and the foundation. The agenda also includes an executive session to discuss prospective matters of honors and pending legal/personnel matters.

The meeting included discussions on the annual audit report and financial statements, the President's report, and reports from various committees including Academic Programs and Enrollment, Student Affairs, Athletics, and University Relations, as well as Finance and Facilities. Updates were provided on the Higher Learning Commission Mid-cycle Comprehensive Evaluation. The agenda also included new business, a possible executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters and potential real estate transactions, and possible actions arising from the executive session.

The 2023-2028 University Strategic Plan for Shepherd University outlines five key goals. It aims to establish Shepherd as a premier public university by recruiting and retaining promising students, faculty, and staff. The plan emphasizes providing a liberal arts and sciences education grounded in lifelong learning and success through experiential learning and career development. It also seeks to position the university as a hub for academic, cultural, and economic opportunity by leveraging partnerships, and to be a first-choice academic home with high-quality, innovative programs and modern facilities. Finally, the plan focuses on serving the wide-ranging needs of students, employees, and communities by creating welcoming and supportive environments.