The Shepherd College Athletic Hall of Fame was created in 1985 by Athletic Director Mike Jacobs. Jacobs formed the first selection committee consisting of himself, Director of College Relations Dave Newlin, and Sports Information Director Joe Browning.
This Committee created the criteria that would be used in naming former athletes and coaches and community members to the Shepherd College Athletic Hall of Fame.
With the first class of inductees being named in 1986, there are currently 82 members in the College's Athletic Hall of Fame.
Must be a Shepherd graduate (may be waived by HOF committee in special cases); there must be a five-year time lapse since candidate last participated in athletics at Shepherd; athletic achievements are of prime importance, but accomplishments after leaving Shepherd will also be considered; former athletes serving on the HOF committee may not be considered for induction.
Must be a three-year time lapse since the candidate last coached at Shepherd; consideration for selection includes recognition as a leader, length and quality of coaching period, program growth, and achievement of the individual after leaving Shepherd; coaches, while serving on the HOF committee, may not be considered for induction.
Other non student-athlete/coaches may be considered based on exceptional contributions to the athletic program.