President’s Lecture Series
Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix, former president of Shepherd University, created this distinguished lecture series for the campus and community, and it became a cornerstone of the Lifelong Learning Program. The series continues to be a valued collaboration between Lifelong Learning and the Office of the President, and we are pleased to carry this tradition forward as we welcome Shepherd University’s new president, Dr. Cameron B. Wesson.
Fall 2026
All lectures, which are free and open to the public, take place in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium. These lectures will also be livestreamed on the Shepherd University YouTube channel.
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Politics, Trust, and the American Public
September 22, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Hoppy Kercheval
Putting “politics” and “trust” in the same sentence can feel like a bit of a stretch. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that just 17 percent of Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right. By comparison, a YouGov poll found that 28 percent of Americans believe Bigfoot exists.
This lack of faith in politics and governing institutions has serious ramifications for the country. There are strong arguments that declining confidence in leadership and institutions is justified, while others point to increasingly toxic political discourse as a key driver of that distrust. Either way, the result is a widening gap between the public and the institutions that govern them.
As President John F. Kennedy once said, “If people lose faith in their government, the result is the same whether or not the loss of confidence is justified.”
So, are our best days behind us? The answer, as always, depends on us. Before we look to political leaders for all the solutions, we should also engage in some self-reflection, study our history, and seriously consider what is necessary to preserve and protect the republic.
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Civic Leadership in a Divided Era: How State Governments in Partnership with Universities Could Build Solutions
November 5, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw
Join West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw for a conversation exploring the role of civic leadership in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing communities today. This lecture will consider how collaboration between state governments and universities can contribute to public problem-solving, civic engagement, and the development of effective responses to complex issues.
Drawing on perspectives from public service, higher education, and community leadership, the discussion will examine the potential for partnerships across sectors to foster innovation, strengthen institutions, and support the public good. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the evolving relationship between government, universities, and citizens in a rapidly changing society.
This lecture invites thoughtful consideration of how leaders and institutions can work together to build understanding, encourage collaboration, and help address the needs of communities in an era of increasing complexity and division.
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For more information, contact Lucinda Powers, Director of Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning, at Lpowers@shepherd.edu or 304-876-5135.