March 29, 2:17 p.m.
Dear Colleagues,
As we work through our grief over the sudden passing of Dr. Scott Beard, we are sharing pictures and stories, tears, and remembrances of our Provost and VP for Academic Affairs. Scott’s indelible legacy at Shepherd University includes almost 21 years of dedicated service to an institution he held dear. His accomplishments in music and in administration are most noteworthy. As a full professor in the Department of Music, he was Coordinator of Keyboard Studies from 1998-2011. Dr. Beard was interim Dean of Graduate studies in 2010, becoming Dean in Fall 2011, at which time the title Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs was also 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 myriad responsibilities have included oversight of all graduate programs, as well as oversight of institutional and programmatic accreditation, cyclical program reviews, development of new degree program proposals and representing academic affairs on committees such as 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 (DNP).
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 have taken him throughout the United States and seven countries. Recital appearances include 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 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.
We are celebrating a “Life Well Lived” in the following ways, and invite you to participate in these activities planned to honor Dr. Beard:
- Dr. Richie Stevens will be hosting a Zoom remembrance of Dr. Beard on Friday, April 2, 1-2pm and next Tuesday, April 6, 11am-noon. This will be open to current faculty and staff. Dr. Stevens will send the Zoom invite in a separate email to employees.
- A Celebration of Life event is planned for Sunday, May 9th at the Butcher Center. The Planning Committee will soon reveal the details.
- Communications is amassing photos from the extensive photo files to use for a slide show on the web.
- We are collecting remembrances from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members for posting on a special website honoring Dr. Beard. Please fill out the form at https://shepherdu.wufoo.com/forms/r10hcm8a1w3fg7i/. If you have a photo of Dr. Beard you would like to share, you can upload the file at the bottom of the form.
Respectfully,
Mary
Mary J.C. Hendrix, Ph.D.
President
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March 28, 8:52 p.m.
Dear Colleagues,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the sudden passing of Dr. Scott Beard, Provost/VP for Academic Affairs, and friend to all of us. We do not have all the details surrounding his death, but we are in close contact with Scott’s family who will share more information as soon as possible. This is a shock for all of us, and I ask that we work together to carry out the duties that Scott was so diligent in performing. No one can fill Scott’s shoes, but I will be appointing an Interim Chief Academic Officer Team on Monday. It is important that we continue Scott’s legacy and plan a beautiful tribute to an extraordinarily talented professional leader.
With appreciation for your understanding of this difficult time,
Mary
Mary J.C. Hendrix, Ph.D.
President
Shepherd University