Biography
Dr. Scott Beard, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Scott Beard enjoyed a career in higher education that spanned more than 20 years, in both the field of music and in administration.
A full professor in Shepherd University’s School of Music, Dr. Beard served as coordinator of keyboard studies from 1998-2011. He was named the interim dean of graduate studies in 2010, becoming dean in fall 2011, at which time the title associate vice president of academic affairs was added to the position responsibilities. This title was later changed to associate provost in summer 2016. He assumed the position of provost in fall 2017.
His responsibilities have included oversight of all graduate programs, as well as oversight of institutional and programmatic accreditation. Responsibilities also included cyclical program reviews, development of new degree program proposals, and representing academic affairs on campus committees, including strategic planning, student success, commencement, and diversity and equity. A major accomplishment during this time was the successful implementation of Shepherd’s first doctoral program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), as well as Shepherd’s first certificate program at the graduate level in Appalachian studies.
Recognized for his outstanding teaching abilities, Dr. Beard was named 2006 West Virginia Music Teacher of the Year and was runner-up for West Virginia Professor of the Year in 2009. His students have won prizes in state, regional, national, and international competitions, and have gone on to study music at conservatories and major university music schools.
Concerts as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral soloist took him throughout the United States and seven countries. Recital appearances included Weill Recital Hall, the Tenri Cultural Institute (NYC), as well as numerous embassies and universities. His concerts have been praised for their poetry, passion, and innovative programming. Dr. Beard was an active member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and was a former national board member, having served as director of the Eastern Division of MTNA. He also served as the artistic director for the Washington Opera Society.
He has published a number of book and musical material reviews, co-authored and edited six editions of ensemble music for Alfred publishing, and a textbook on keyboard proficiency with Oxford University Press. Dr. Beard’s extraordinary accomplishments and dedication to the pursuit of excellence are indeed remarkable, and will be remembered by his students, friends, and colleagues – in perpetuity.