ISSUED: 26 May 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University has received a $4.8 million grant from the Higher Education Policy Commission’s Deferred Maintenance grant program to support critical renovations to the Frank Center for the Arts, a primary academic and community performance venue serving the Eastern Panhandle.
The investment will fund comprehensive upgrades to the facility, including modernization of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; installation of energy-efficient LED lighting; improved accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; roof replacement; safety and security enhancements; and updates to the stage rigging system.
Located on the west side of campus, the Frank Center for the Arts is the University’s main performing arts venue and a central hub for academic programming, student instruction, and regional cultural events. The facility is home to the School of the Arts and Media and hosts programming for different campus and community partners, including the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), the Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications, and K-12 schools.
“We are grateful to the Legislature and the HEPC for identifying these funds to enhance critical infrastructure projects at Shepherd and other state institutions,” Hendrix said. “I’d like to thank Senate President Randy Smith, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, and Senate Finance Committee Chair Jason Barrett for their leadership, together with our other local senators and delegates, for their swift response and support.”
Hendrix also thanked the community members, education leaders, and regional partners—including representatives from Jefferson and Berkeley County schools and local arts organizations—who submitted letters of support for the project.
The center serves a broad audience each year, supporting more than 500 events and performances and reaching more than 12,700 community members from fall 2023 through fall 2025. It also directly supports more than 3,700 Shepherd students annually and engages more than 100 groups and organizations.
University officials identified aging infrastructure as a growing challenge for the facility, noting that outdated mechanical and technical systems have limited the center’s ability to provide a reliable, safe, and high-quality experience for students, performers, and visitors. Planned renovations will address these challenges while improving operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
In addition to enhancing safety and functionality, the upgrades are expected to reduce utility and maintenance costs by approximately $430,000 over the lifespan of the new systems, allowing the University to redirect resources toward student programming and academic initiatives.
As one of the most visible facilities on campus, the Frank Center also serves as a key entry point for prospective students and visitors, playing an important role in recruitment, retention, and community engagement. The renovation aligns with Shepherd University’s strategic priorities to provide modern, innovative, and well-maintained facilities that support academic excellence and student success.
Shepherd University, established in 1871, is the only four-year public institution in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and serves more than 3,700 undergraduate and graduate students.
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