ISSUED: 21 August 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Cecelia Mason
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — At a time when many colleges and universities are dealing with declining enrollment, Shepherd University is welcoming a record number of new students for fall 2023. This is the second consecutive year the University has posted an increase.
“We were pleased that Shepherd’s enrollment uptick continues, especially as other institutions are feeling the effects of declining attendance,” said Dr. Kelly Hart, vice president for enrollment management at Shepherd.
Incoming students attended Convocation, the official kick-off to the fall semester, in Ram Stadium on August 18.
Shepherd’s dual enrollment program is seeing a 62% increase in enrollment over 2022 and is thrilled to welcome more than 260 dual enrollment high school students to the Ram Family.
Students from Berkeley and Jefferson counties in West Virginia and Frederick and Washington counties in Maryland will earn college credits at Shepherd before receiving their high school diplomas.
“Our dual enrollment program gives high school students the confidence to be successful. Their on-campus experience allows them to be engaged in the college experience and eases their transition into college,” said Barbara Kandalis, Shepherd’s dual enrollment coordinator.
Shepherd also welcomed its largest incoming freshman class since 2018 during Convocation on August 18.
“Our entire campus community was excited to welcome our incoming class,” Hart said, “and are eager to partner with them in their academic, co-curricular, and extra-curricular endeavors.”
Hart said 71% of Shepherd’s incoming class is from West Virginia, with the remainder coming from 12 states and four international countries.
Hart attributes Shepherd’s enrollment success to the hard work of the dedicated admissions staff and campus community, as well as its well-earned academic reputation.
“Shepherd offers students an exceptional education, both in and outside of the classroom, and is an incredible value,” she said. “We take great pride in getting to know our students, helping them to grow and develop, and preparing them for success after graduation.”
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