Shepherd University
A public institution of higher learning, Shepherd University found in the city of Shepherdstown in the state of West Virginia. The institution, which has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, saw its student body increase to 3,159 for the Fall 2020 semester.
In July of 1871, the county seat of Jefferson County, West Virginia was relocated from its temporary position in Shepherdstown to its original location in Charles Town. This event marked the beginning of the establishment of Shepherd University. The citizens of Shepherdstown and the surrounding area came to the conclusion that the vacant courthouse might be put to better use if it were used for educational reasons. C. W. Andrews, Alexander R. Boteler, C. T. Butler, G. M. Beltzhoover, David Billmyer, Samuel Knott, and Henry Shepherd were the individuals who drafted and signed the article of incorporation for the school that would later be known as Shepherd College. The school's mission was to educate students "in languages, arts, and sciences." This assembly of incorporators granted itself the right to pick professors, pay salaries, and set courses of study. Under the authority of the board of trustees, Professor Joseph McMurran was selected to serve as the institution's first principal when it first opened its doors in September 1871 with a total of 42 pupils.
On February 27, 1872, the West Virginia Legislature approved the following act, which reads as follows: "That a branch of the State Normal School be and the same is thus formed in the building known as Shepherd College, at Shepherdstown, in the county of Jefferson." On July 1, 1930, Shepherd College transitioned from a two-year junior college to a four-year college that specialised in the education and preparation of teachers. At this point, the school also started awarding the bachelor of arts degree. In 1943, Shepherd University received approval to begin offering liberal arts courses, and ten years later, in 1950, it began offering a bachelor's degree in science as well. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools granted Shepherd University its accreditation in 1950, and the Association of American Colleges welcomed it as a member the following year in 1951. The legislation that would enable Shepherd College to become Shepherd University was signed into law by Governor Bob Wise on April 7, 2004, making the transformation official.
In the past twenty years, Shepherd University has constructed eleven new buildings, the most notable of which are the Robert C. Byrd Science and Technology Center, which cost $9 million, the Scarborough Library addition, which cost $18 million, and the nursing classroom building, which cost $10 million. Together, these three structures make up the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education. The $21.6 million Wellness Center opened on June 11, 2009, and features a 25-yard, eight-lane pool; two basketball courts, and six basketball hoops; two racquetball courts, indoor elevated 1/10 mile jogging track; two multi-purpose rooms with mirrored walls for group exercise classes; 7,500+ square feet of weight and fitness area; and a dining venue that is operated by Shepherd's Dining Services.