On September 11, 2025, Shepherd University President Mary J.C. Hendrix announced her intention to step down as President of the University at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. “It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve this extraordinary institution and work alongside our remarkably talented faculty and staff to provide a quality educational experience for our students — the next generation of leaders and model citizens.”
The Search Process
The Shepherd University Board of Governors has adopted a set of procedures for the 2025-26 Presidential Search. The process will feature:
- Form a search committee and hire a consultant to assist with the search. [Completed]
- Gather feedback from university employees, students, and community members on the desired qualities of Shepherd University’s next president. [Completed]
- Based on this input, a draft Presidential Profile/Statement of Leadership is developed. [Completed]
- Prepare position announcement and post in appropriate outlets, such as the Chronicle of Higher Education. [Completed]
- Consultant screens applicants for minimum qualifications and completes two lists: a: Those meeting the minimum qualifications and b: Those that don’t (with reasons listed for each candidate). [Ongoing]
- Search committee reviews screened applicants and selects up to ten semi-finalists, whose references are checked by the consultant. [Ongoing]
- Search committee interviews semi-finalists at a neutral off-campus location (e.g., airport).
- Search committee determines 4-6 finalist candidates who are each invited to the campus for two-day interviews.
- Search committee reviews input and sends its recommendations (up to three unranked finalists) to the Board of Governors for its review.
- Board of Governors selects the desired finalist. It may determine the order of back-up if the first choice is unavailable.
- Optional: Visit to the successful candidate’s campus/place of work
- Finalist signs a contract with a mutually agreed-upon starting date.
Presidential Profile and Advertisement
Apply Here
Nominations should be directed to the Search Consultant, Dr. Brad Gottfried: bradgottfried@gmail.com .
The Search Committee
- Search Committee Chair: Austin J. Slater, Jr.
- Search Committee Vice Chair: Susan Mentzer-Blair
- James M. Cherry, Ph.D.
- Amy L. DeWitt, Ph.D.
- Melanie Ford
- Tyler Furbee
- Chad Hartman
- Andrew Patterson
- Laura Robertson, Ph.D.
- Danielle Stephenson
- William L. Stubblefield, Ph.D.
- Search Committee Consultant: Dr. Brad Gottfried
Staff support: General Counsel, Alan Perdue
Progress
September 17, 2025 |
The Search Committee Chair and the Search Consultant have scheduled meetings with representative groups for input as to desired leadership qualities. The composition of the Search Committee is being finalized. |
September 24, 2025 |
Committee Chair’s Update to Campus Community |
September 26, 2025 |
Campus survey solicited input on desired characteristics and qualifications the next president should possess. The Survey closed on October 5. |
Mid-October |
Search Committee established Leadership Profile and Position Advertisement. Position advertised beginning October 17, 2025. |