ISSUED: 30 October 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications at Shepherd University has a new home, marking a new chapter for the institute and its mission to foster civil discourse and informed political engagement.
Previously housed in Knutti Hall and the Frank Arts Center, the institute’s new location places it at the heart of academic life on East Campus, reinforcing its work helping Shepherd students learn to engage in civic dialogue and democratic participation.
Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix said the new space is symbolic of the relationship between the institute and the University.
“The institute was founded on a very simple but profound principle, and that is that disagreement, when approached with respect and curiosity, can be productive,” Hendrix said. “Today, as we gather in this beautiful space, we reaffirm our commitment to that mission.”
Ashley Horst, executive director of the Stubblefield Institute, said the move further strengthens collaboration across campus and beyond.
“The energy and exploration here at Shepherd are inspiring,” Horst said. “They have led the institute to collaborate across the campus, the state, and across the nation.”
Horst outlined the institute’s growing programming and announced the development of West Virginia Emerging, a data-driven tool for legislators that will engage students, policy experts, and other stakeholders.
“We’ll provide targeted research support to ensure West Virginia lawmakers have the latest data and expert recommendations for policy decisions,” said Horst.
Horst recently represented the institute as a panelist at Building Next-Gen Leaders: Empowering Students to Navigate a Divided World, a national conference presented by the Applied Research Center for Civility, the National Conflict Resolution Center, and UC San Diego.
Founded in 2019 through the generosity of Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield, the institute was established to create opportunities for students and the community to engage in respectful dialogue on political and social issues. Since its inception, it has hosted public forums, student programs, and community initiatives that strengthen democratic principles and promote understanding across ideological divides.
The rededication ceremony included remarks from University leadership, institute staff, and community partners, followed by a tour of the new facilities. Attendees celebrated the institute’s ongoing commitment to civil political communication as well as its vision for expanding programming in the years ahead.
Click here to learn more about the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute and their upcoming events.
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