ISSUED: 22 August 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University is thrilled to welcome its largest freshman class since 2020 when classes begin Monday, August 25. The University anticipates between 565 and 580 first-time college students arriving on campus.
Shepherd’s Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Will Bell credited the admissions team for the successful recruitment cycle.
“A good recruitment class starts with a good team, and we have that here,” Bell said. “But enrollment is everyone’s responsibility, and we are grateful for the support we have received this year from the faculty and staff.”
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jack DeRochi echoed that sentiment, adding that the community also plays a central role in students’ decisions to attend Shepherd.
“Shepherd University continues to be a first-choice school for our students because here they encounter an entire community—faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and neighbors—all engaged in supporting student success,” DeRochi said.
While official enrollment numbers will be reported in October, DeRochi said the early momentum is promising.
The University has seen a 12.5 percent increase in first-year student enrollment and a 2 percent rise in student persistence—a key student success metric that reflects continued enrollment across all class levels.
“Even if we only see a small bump in our total enrollment for degree-seeking students, things are looking very good for Shepherd,” DeRochi added. “What we’re seeing right now validates the tremendous work of our entire team and points to very positive things in the years to come.”
Unlike student retention, which counts only the number of first-time college students returning to campus, persistence measures several factors for all returning students—offering a broader view of the University’s student success initiatives.
Shepherd President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix highlighted the collaboration that makes such success possible during her remarks to new students at the 2025 Convocation ceremony on Friday, August 22, where she introduced this year’s University-wide theme of ONEShepherd.
“ONEShepherd celebrates that we are stronger together and that all of us—our people, programs, and places—come together in service of your success,” Hendrix said.
Bell said that the spirit of unity has also shaped his team’s approach to recruitment.
“We have been efficient in our application review process,” he said. “We’ve been getting decisions back to students as quickly as possible, and have been available to answer questions from students and families when they arise.”
Total enrollment for undergraduate degree-seeking students stood at 2,403 at the time of the Convocation ceremony, a 1 percent increase over last year.
For more about attending Shepherd University, visit www.shepherd.edu/apply.
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