ISSUED: 12 June 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Shepherd University Board of Governors at its June 11 meeting passed a resolution directing Shepherd’s president to establish and maintain as a direct report an administrative Office for Diversity and Equity. The board, in consultation with the president, found that a commitment to tolerance, social justice, and diversity is essential to the educational mission of Shepherd University. Board chair Eric Lewis also announced the creation of a Board of Governors Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This committee will work closely with Shepherd’s Executive Leadership Team and other campus committees.
Additionally, the Board of Governors passed a resolution authorizing Shepherd’s president to develop in a consultative manner revisions to current board policies on Social Justice (Policy 18), Sexual Harassment (Policy 4), and Academic Freedom, Professional Responsibility, Promotion, and Tenure (Policy 19). The Board of Governors acknowledged the importance of the national discussions about racial sensitivity and social justice and mandated a review to update and enhance board policies related to social justice.
Vice President for Finance Pamela Stevens presented the third quarter financial report to the board, noting a substantial increase in cash. Shepherd has 118 days of cash on hand, an increase of 8.2 percent compared to last year’s third quarter, due to the increase in state funding and budget cuts implemented by executive leadership and approved by the Board of Governors.
Board of Governors officers elected for the 2020-2021 year are Eric Lewis, chair, Gat Caperton, vice chair, and Henry Kayes, secretary. Board members elected to the audit committee are Henry Kayes, chair, Tia McMillan, Eric Lewis, and Ray Alvarez.
In other action, the Board of Governors approved a new minor in business information systems, temporary campus policies related to COVID-19, and the athletic program philosophy.
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