ISSUED: 5 June 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University’s Student Government Association (SGA) and staff played important roles during the 2024 West Virginia Student Leadership Conference (WVSLC) from May 20-22 at the Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
WVSLC is an annual training event for student government representatives in higher education, many of whom are newly elected to their roles. During the 2024 conference, these representatives learned leadership skills, networked with other student leaders and higher education administrators, and shared ideas about engaging campus communities.
More than 80 student leaders and advisors from 15 institutions across the state attended the conference.
Representatives from Shepherd included SGA Executive Board members Paul Teter, president; Jackson Heath, vice president; Natalea Johnson, campus relations officer; Loy Kesner, treasurer; and Tyler Furbee, parliamentarian.
Heath, a senior communication and new media major, was inspired by the conference, surrounded by other students who are committed to bettering their campus communities.
“The whole experience was awesome,” said Heath. “We left with so many new connections and ideas.”
Pictured (l. to r.): Jack Shaw, associate vice president of campus services; Paul Teter, SGA president; Natalea Johnson, SGA campus relations officer; Jim Ramey, student activities assistant; Rachael Meads, director of student activities and leadership; Tyler Furbee, SGA parliamentarian; Jackson Heath, SGA vice president; and Loy Kesner, SGA treasurer
Rachael Meads, director of student activities and leadership; Jim Ramey, student activities assistant; and Jack Shaw, associate vice president for campus services, served on the conference’s planning team. Meads also led the opening and closing workshops and facilitated a roundtable session while Ramey led teambuilding and social activities.
Melanie Ford, principal systems analyst for student affairs, also presented a conference session on emotional intelligence and leadership styles titled “Leading with Emotions.”
For Meads, the conference is a valued experience within the Office of Student Activities and Leadership.
“This conference is a highlight of our SGA leadership training each year,” Meads said. “Our students have the unique opportunity to network with advisors and other students from across the state and learn from one another about the best ways to support students, advocate for issues that are important to them, and gain insights from student government alumni and professionals across the state.”
The WVSLC is co-sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Community and Technical College System. Shepherd University assisted with event coordination.
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