Office of the President

FROM THE PRESIDENT

August 8, 2007

Hearing the Shepherd Story

It's been just over a month since joining the Shepherd University community--and a busy month at that!

As promised in my first e-mail, I've been meeting the people who make up the Shepherd University community. It's been delightful to hear of your Shepherd experiences and learn about your roles here.

During the month of July, I've been out and about in Shepherdstown, Charles Town, Martinsburg, and Charleston to meet with our neighbors, political leaders, business leaders, and the media. My conversations with these constituents and with you are helping me understand the University, its history, and its future.

My outreach efforts took me to Charleston in late July to attend the West Virginia Legislature's interim session and meet many of the key lawmakers. It was helpful to assess the state political scene in preparation for the interim session to be held in Martinsburg in September and for the legislative session when it opens in January 2008.

I will continue to seek out opportunities to meet with faculty, students, and University employees this fall. If you see me out walking the campus, please wave or say hello. Each morning, I do a sunrise hike that daily strengthens the conviction that brought me here--Shepherd is a thriving university with great opportunities ahead! I look forward to the part we will play together in creating Shepherd's future.

Dr. Suzanne Shipley
President
Shepherd University