SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
RESHAPING POSSIBILITY
Shepherd University is steadily reshaping the landscape of higher education in West Virginia. In the heart of Shepherdstown, the university is making strategic investments in student life, sustainability and academic innovation. These efforts reflect a deeper mission: preparing students not only for cutting-edge careers but also to become tomorrow’ s leaders and model citizens. Shepherd is taking bold steps to create opportunities for students to learn, lead and make a lasting impact.
Building for Tomorrow Shepherd University recently broke ground on a new dining hall and multipurpose building on West Campus, a project made possible through a $ 30 million investment from the state of West Virginia. Designed with an eye toward the future of the university, the facility will serve as a central hub for wellness, community and student engagement.
Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J. C.
Hendrix says the investment from state lawmakers, U. S. Senator Jim Justice and U. S. Representative Riley Moore, highlights the value they place on Shepherd.
“ We are profoundly grateful for the support of our state and national representatives and their confidence in Shepherd,” Hendrix says.“ This new facility is part of our strategic plan to continue investing and improving our facilities to enhance the student experience and plant the seeds for the future of Shepherd University.”
Located near the intramural fields, the new building will have a modern, 300-seat dining hall and commercial-grade kitchen, bringing dining services to West Campus, close to residence halls. The facility complements dining services at the Rams Den, Potomac Market Place and Wellness Cafe.
The vision extends well beyond hospitality and dining, reflecting Shepherd’ s holistic approach to student life. The multipurpose space will include significant expansions for Shepherd University’ s Athletics Department, with new offices, meeting spaces and enhanced facilities for student athletes. Features will include well-equipped locker rooms, a state-of-the-art weight-training facility and treatment areas— all designed to support athletic performance and collaborative learning.
Eric Lewis, chair of the West Campus Enhancement Task Force, emphasizes the University’ s innovative approach to planning.
“ We’ re going to have the best possible building for the best dollar value that we can, because we did it as a design-build,” Lewis says.
Lewis says this may be the largest designbuild project in the state, noting the thoughtful layout and energy-efficient construction as key strengths of the project.