Alumni Highlights

April 2026 – Kevin David ’22

Kevin David is the April Alumni Highlight! Kevin just published his first novel “Wind Therapy.”

Kevin shares the inspiration behind his debut novel, Wind Therapy. A December 2022 graduate of Shepherd University, Kevin reflects on his journey from student to special education teacher and first-time author. Drawing heavily from his own experiences as a Marine Corps veteran navigating PTSD and mental health challenges, Kevin crafted a story centered on a VA therapist who takes a group of veterans on a cross-country motorcycle trip in search of healing and purpose.

Kevin describes the writing process as both deeply personal and therapeutic, allowing him to process his own experiences while encouraging others to explore creative outlets. Since its publication in February 2026, the book has resonated with a wide audience—from veterans to motorcycle enthusiasts to readers interested in stories of resilience and recovery. Kevin credits his time at Shepherd for helping him develop the discipline and skills needed to bring his story to life and emphasizes the importance of taking risks and embracing growth through failure.

Wind Therapy is available for purchase through major retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For those local to Shepherdstown, Kevin is also in discussions with Four Seasons Books about carrying the book in-store.

Watch the full interview video above.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

(Katie)
Hi everyone, I’m Katie Swayne, Director of Alumni Affairs. We’re here with our April Alumni Highlight, Kevin David, and of course the president of the Shepherd University Alumni Association, Randy Friend. I am going to let Randy take it away and get started.

(Randy)
Welcome back, everyone. Hopefully, everyone has enjoyed that last two of our video series. This is an exciting experience for us, trying something new. Today we’re excited to highlight 2022 graduate Kevin David, author of Wind Therapy, a novel about a VA therapist who grows frustrated with the lack of progress traditional therapy is having for veterans and takes a PTSD support group on a cross‑country motorcycle trip to find purpose and healing. Kevin, tell us about your path from Shepherd to publishing this book.

(Kevin)
Thank you so much! I’m Kevin David, a December 2022 graduate. I started as a secondary education major but switched to the Regents Bachelor of Arts program due to personal circumstances that kept me from student teaching. It worked out—I’m teaching now and all worked out for the best. I spent a great two years at Shepherd and loved the community and university.

(Randy)
Where are you now?

(Kevin)
I’m in Montgomery County, Maryland.

(Randy)
We’re very excited to chat about this book! I first saw your post on the Shepherd Football Fans Facebook page. It sounds very interesting. What sparked the idea for this story? What’s the background?

(Kevin)
It’s deeply personal for me. I’m a Marine Corps veteran and have experienced mental health and PTSD challenges. All of things are something I have gone through and experiences myself. My experiences with the VA shaped much of the book. Initially, I wanted to write a screenplay, but that was tougher than expected, so I shelved it. As a teacher I’m always telling my students to find creative outlets and so I felt a like a bit of a hypocrite and thought, “what am I really doing with my time?” Last year, as I encouraged my students to be creative, I realized I needed to do the same. I returned to my idea and turned it into a novel.

(Randy)
What made you think that you had to finish it? How have you found this to be therapeutic for you?

(Kevin)
Absolutely. I felt that I had to get this story out. Writing forced me to process things in a meaningful way and was a very soothing and healing for me. I hope readers feel some of that healing too.

(Randy)
You started as a secondary education major at Shepherd—was that in any specific discipline?

(Kevin)
Yes, social studies. English was secondary, but now I teach special education at the high‑school level, mainly supporting English classes. Pushing my students to explore creative outlets made me want to practice what I preached.

(Randy)
Absolutely! Especially with the population you’re working with. You’re giving them an additional outlet by having creative writing be a part of your conversations. I am by no means a writer, which Katie can attest to, so what gave you the confidence to pursue a full book?

(Kevin)
I felt compelled to tell this story and share these experiences. The skills I learned at Shepherd—organization, outlining, time management—were essential. I couldn’t have done it without that foundation.

(Randy)
That’s awesome! The book was recently published, right?

(Kevin)
Yes, February 13, 2026.

(Randy)
Have you seen any traction or gotten any feedback yet?

(Kevin)
I’ve gotten great feedback from veterans, riders, and people dealing with mental‑health challenges. The book resonates with different groups because it touches on universal themes of struggle and recovery.

(Randy)
Do you ride yourself?

(Kevin)
I do. Before Shepherd, I spent eight years as a Harley‑Davidson mechanic. I’m older than a typical ’22 grad because I also spent eight years in the Marine Corps before that. Now I ride a 2016 Harley‑Davidson Street Glide.

(Randy)
Have you done long‑distance rides like the book describes?

(Kevin)
Not yet. My longest is about 500 miles. I’d love to attempt a full 1,000‑mile Iron Butt ride someday.

(Randy)
Did any real people inspire characters?

(Kevin)
None directly, except one—Major Joe Lockhart, based on a friend of mine who’s a double amputee and rides. I hope he recognizes himself—in a good way.

(Randy)
Do you see this becoming a movie or a series?

(Kevin)
That’s the dream. I’ve reached out to studios, but they want to see more traction first. I’ll revisit things this summer.

(Randy)
Are you planning more books?

(Kevin)
Not a sequel to *Wynn Therapy*, but I’m working on a new project—a horror‑themed story involving zombies and motorcycles. I believe in writing what you know. I hope to finish a draft in the next couple months.

(Randy)
What’s your writing process like?

(Kevin)
I started the current project in November—six to eight months feels right for me. With today’s self‑publishing options, like Amazon KDP and hybrid publishers, it’s easier than ever to become an author. I used Gatekeeper Press, who handled editing and marketing while I kept my rights.

(Randy)
How do you balance teaching, family, and writing?

(Kevin)
A lot of creative scheduling. I combine trips—like a recent book signing in Pittsburgh during my daughter’s college visit—and travel for events, such as a signing near Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Veterans there really connected with the story.

(Randy)
What does your daughter think?

(Kevin)
She’s my biggest fan. She tells everyone to read the book. She’s been a writer since childhood, and I hope I’m making her proud.

(Randy)
Where can people get the book?

(Kevin)
Online everywhere: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books‑A‑Million, Google Books, Apple Books. I’m hoping to get it into Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown soon and possibly do an in‑person event.

(Randy)
Any final advice?

(Kevin)
Don’t fear failure. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Growth comes through stumbling. And Shepherd is incredible—I tell my Maryland students about this gem on the Potomac every chance I get.

(Katie)
Thanks so much, everyone.

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