Faculty/Staff
Dr. Matt Kushin
When I came to Shepherd, you held a welcoming event to new faculty and staff at your farm. I will always remember sitting outside and eating and then watching you play the piano in your home. It helped Kelin and I know that Shepherd was a welcoming, friendly place – a big family. In every interaction I had with you, you always had a smile and a friendly hello. In every interaction I witnessed of you, you always showed sincere interest in everyone at Shepherd. It is evident how much you loved and gave to Shepherd and how much Shepherd loved you and gained from you. You are a person of many talents, a kind and caring person, and a selfless advocate. You will be sorely missed and I do not have the words to properly express the enormity of the loss for all of us. Thank you for the kindness, support and generosity with which you treated all of us as faculty. Thank you for all you did to support me during my time here at Shepherd.
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Patt Welsh
My remembrance of Dr. Beard was his friendship during the time I was at Shepherd prior to my retirement in 2016, his beautiful music, and his conversation as we shared a table at one of the Emeritus luncheons. Following my retirement he never failed to ask my son James how I was doing when they met on campus. He will sorely be missed.
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Dr. Jacqui Cole
Scott was the light of Shepherd. When he walked into a room, no matter what was being discussed, everyone’s spirits were just lifted. I remember during my new faculty orientation, at the very end, he hosted a barbeque at his house and he just made me feel so welcome at Shepherd. He has been a constant in my life for almost a decade and I can’t imagine Shepherd without him. He would bring snacks to meetings he knew would be long, he would have us do silly polls and dances during Zoom meetings, and I remember he would always be the first to congratulate you on tenure or a grant being awarded. He was truly always happy for everyone. Scott is irreplaceable, there will never be another person like him. Rest in peace, Scott.
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Meg Peterson
Besides enjoying hearing Scott’s tales of the annual White House Correspondence Dinner, one of my favorite memories of him is when he graciously agreed to act as the background piano player during our Women for Shepherd Little Black Dress Party at Popodicon (spring 2018). I joked that in his spare time, he moonlight as the Provost for Academic Affairs. He was always willing to do any job at Shepherd (I caught him doing some landscaping last year), and he did it with grace, a larger-than-life personality, and a true love for Shepherd. He will be greatly missed.
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Dr. Arnetta Fletcher
I seriously can’t explain the profound impact Dr. Beard’s had on my life and professional development. He was the reason I chose Shepherd and through his ability to “drive the bus” and “to connect dots,” as he casually joked with me, fostered opportunities to accelerate nutrition and dietetics in the most grand ways.
I’m truly in disbelief that the world has lost such a beautiful soul but I know heaven is rejoicing at the gain.
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Andrew Ford
I have known of or known Dr. Beard for 20 years, as a young community member who attended Shepherd concerts; a Shepherd student who always admired his academic tenacity and charismatic interpersonal warmth; and an employee who worked with him on countless university video projects. To the end of the latter, the one thing that I perhaps admired most about Scott was his ability to connect with everyone he worked with, to put everyone at ease. He never held his position, intelligence, or lifetime of consistent achievement above anyone. He used his wit to comfort and was always able to see the humanity in every person he encountered.
I, like so many others at Shepherd and in Shepherdstown, am heartbroken by the loss of not only a great academic leader, but a true community presence who added such vibrance and character to this little village. I am sure going to miss him.
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Karen Rice
I fondly remember Scott providing delicious goodies at the Graduate Studies meetings. He would bring desserts from the farm along with juice or water. It was a treat to attend the meetings knowing dessert would be available.
He was also so generous in opening up his home for various university events. I remember Graduate Studies receptions and picnics at the farm and receptions at his home in Cress Creek.
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Dr. Lois Jarman
Scott was always so supportive of Shepherd’s international initiatives and international students. It was an honor to nominate him for membership in Phi Beta Delta. Scott was instrumental in so many of our international partnerships and loved speaking French with visiting diplomats and ambassadors. I will miss his support, his laughter, and his bow ties!
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Joey Dagg
I thoroughly enjoyed the humble transparency exhibited by Dr. Scott Beard. In working with him on several campus initiatives that involved several long hours and days to fulfill, he was always one to provide comedic relief with his quick wit and fabulous spontaneous lyrics. I will miss his human kindness and willingness to find common ground with those he interacted with for the first time. He was extremely generous and would often provide treats to express his gratitude. I will greatly miss watching him calmly listen to a controversial or debatable topic, while chewing gum. He leaves a fabulous legacy of servant leadership.
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Dr. JB Tuttle
I have been lucky to work with Scott for over 15 years at Shepherd University, and we have worked together in many contexts within the Education program and the larger work of the university. During that time, Scott brought an unfailingly positive energy to every project we shared. He helped mediate conflict and contention among stakeholders, he researched topics exhaustively, and he always did everything in his power not only to help Shepherd, but to leave us all smiling at the end of deliberations and policy decisions. His commitment to the university took many forms, and he excelled in every area to which he turned his attention. As Scott begins his next adventures in the afterlife, my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Scott’s work and his legacy will be with us all as we move forward, and I hope that memories of Scott’s methods and character will help inform our own work. Scott embodied the concept of the life well lived, and he will remain an inspiration to us all.
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Theresa Smith
Though I didn’t know Scott well, we interacted on a professional level several times over the years. Reading the tributes to him from students and friends, I am struck by how fully he lived life and how he touched so many people in such positive ways. His was a life well-lived, but gone too soon.
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Rachael Meads
Scott was an indefatigable force at Shepherd. I used to tease him that he must have had Hermione Granger’s timeturner. He seemed to be everywhere at once. He worked out, played piano, worked full time for Shepherd with myriad roles, and still appeared at every campus event he could — student recitals, celebrations of student learning, lectures, fundraisers, concerts, football games, and more. Sporting his trademark Shepherd blue and gold ties, he won our superlatives for best dressed staff member and cheerleader for all of us. He was an extraordinary teacher, as the dozens of student testimonials on social media this week have shown, who impacted the lives of our students in real and profound ways. Scott’s superpower was for making people feel like they mattered. Scott always made me feel seen and appreciated. I hope he knew how much he was appreciated and seen too. Thanks for all you shared with us.
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Jennie Khun
Scott has always radiated positivity. He seemed to have this effortless ability to make people laugh, even in the most difficult situations. Clearly one of his best attributes.
As I struggle to find the words to express the grief we’re all feeling I take comfort in knowing that his legacy, charisma, and impact will continue on. It is evident by the outpouring of stories, photos, and heartfelt messages that he has touched the lives of many. Scott will be greatly missed by many.
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Dr. Georgiann Toole
Although I knew Scott for many years as a fellow musician, my primary work with him was as coordinator of Shepherd’s graduate programs in education (MAT, MACI) when he was the Dean of Graduate Studies. Working with Scott in this capacity was always a pleasure. He encouraged creative thinking and big goals, and did his utmost to support students and faculty. Any success that Shepherd’s graduate programs have achieved is due in large part to Dr. Scott Beard. His sense of humor, generosity, kindness, and attention to detail were inspiring, and he will be greatly missed.
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Dr. Janine Sam
Scott was one of the best administrative leaders I’ve encountered in my academic career thus far. He had a gift of making you feel valued when around him. He will be dearly missed.
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Lana Leggett
When I first joined the MBA program at Shepherd, I got very involved in the program. Since I was an adjunct professor, there weren’t any established awards to recognize part-time graduate faculty. To recognize my contributions, Dr. Beard and Dr. Zimmer created an “Affiliate Graduate Faculty Award.” And, in addition to a plaque, Dr. Beard contributed a $100 gift card to the Bavarian Inn for me. That was the kind of guy that he was. He wanted to make it special for me.
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Dr. Francoise Nelles
We were attending an HEPC event in Charleston, sitting in a flatly lit hotel conference, every last one of us glazed-eyed as the presentations followed one after the other. Scott suddenly electrified the room by singing in full operatic voice as he walked to the front for his presentation. Was he wearing some outlandish head-gear? I’m not sure, but he definitely had a bell and his performance definitely roused us all from our collective stupor. The actual words of the song were some ridiculous ditty lauding the delight of fulfilling more than one reporting duty at a time by storing a single report electronically, then modifying it as needed for accreditation or federal compliance, etc. But the moment was unforgettable. (It’s surely not a coincidence that I also clearly remember the sensible idea he presented.)
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Dr. Heidi Hanrahan
My first memory of Scott was at the inauguration for President Shipley in 2007. It was my first year at Shepherd and I didn’t know many people from outside my department. All the faculty were gathered together in our regalia and, when it came time to sing the alma mater, I heard someone with a terrific voice just belting out it out. I thought, “Who is that?” And it was Scott, singing so happily, proudly, and enthusiastically. His joy was contagious on that day, as it was so often. Looking back, I can’t think of a better first image to have of Scott, someone who spent every day singing the praises of Shepherd and working so hard for this place. I will miss him terribly but will carry with me his example of joy in his work and his love for Shepherd.
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Dr. Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt
This has been a hard week, thinking about Scott, who did so much for Appalachian Studies. Scott Beard was one of the most capable Provosts at Shepherd that I have known, first serving as a talented colleague and musician, then as Graduate Dean (I felt privileged to have served on that search committee), then as an assistant provost to Dr. Helldobbler (who helped Shepherd revamp our curriculum–we all presented that story at HLC in Chicago), finally as Provost himself.
Scott was always willing to listen. Because he was a creative person, he could take an idea (I remember trying to sell him on the the concept of graduate certificates) and his creativity allowed him to think outside the box and run with a good idea to make it happen. Our new and inventive ASPT undergraduate interdisciplinary B.A./B.S.degree with its Global Appalachia and Service components was one of those ideas that frightened the timid but Scott said “go for it” and then helped. I don’t think I ever submitted a grant without Scott’s encouragement and his or Amy’s tinkering to make it look good–and more often than not their help made it successful. Scott also didn’t complain when we weren’t successful, but like a good parent would say “good job–we’ll get it next time.” Each year when I turned in my annual report to him, I received praise and encouragement, which only made me want to do more. No one is perfect in this very imperfect world in which we all live, but Scott Beard was immensely intelligent, incredibly creative, always open-minded, and he possessed the intellectual energy to always get the job done. We will very much miss him, and we know just how much we are in debt to this open-minded and talented man. I will always play his Chopin as I drive to Georgia . . . and smile.
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Terresa Kepner
Scott was one of the best people I’ve ever worked with/for. Scott played a big role in my choice to move to West Virginia to work at Shepherd. He was the one who gave me a campus tour during my first visit to Shepherd, and he extended that tour to include the community of Shepherdstown and advice on where to look for housing for what would be a very quick move for me to the area. It was raining that day, and Scott passed me his umbrella rather than taking it for himself. To me, those small acts of kindness represent what Scott embodied — thinking of others and what would make them better, happier, or more comfortable. He was a true supporter of his students as well as his colleagues, and the roles he assumed at Shepherd allowed him to shine without taking the spotlight. This world has lost a kind man, a great soul, a wonderful human being. My prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
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Rudy Bropleh
Scott was a smart, personable, very intelligent, and immaculate gentleman! We’ve lost a good colleague and friend! May his family find comfort, strength, and peace during this difficult time.
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Dr. Cindy Vance
My life has been blessed to have known Dr. Scott Beard. He was more than a supervisor and colleague, he was a friend. I met Scott when I arrived at Shepherd in Fall 2011. I taught both in the undergraduate and graduate program, MBA program. Scott was just selected as the Dean of Graduate Studies. I remember all the well-organized meetings that he held with the most delicious food. He made sure everyone enjoyed being at his meetings. Personally, I always took my son to his farm to select his fall pumpkins, play on the pirate ship, and participate in the hayrides. Scott and Alan always made sure that we had the best time. Throughout my last ten years at Shepherd, Scott has always been there for me. His support and friendship were priceless. His energy was infectious and his love of life was endless. I loved attending all the parties that he hosted for the graduate faculty and the academic leadership team – he always had my “favorite” beverage. Additionally, Scott always attended the Accounting Club Alumni dinners each spring. He brought energy to the room. I was always so grateful that he took time to attend the event – this is who he was – a supporter and a friend. My last contact with Scott was Saturday morning, March 27 at 11 a.m. – he responded to my email inviting him to the first virtual Accounting Club Alumni dinner. He said, “Cindy, I will attend.” I remember getting that email and smiling being so thankful for his friendship and support. He will be at the Alumni dinner on April 23 in spirit and in my heart. Thank you, Scott, for the memories.
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Susan Carpenter
Prior to my first meeting with Dr. Beard in the spring of 2006, I was a bit of a wreck. Despite a couple of music degrees, I had spent the time since grad school first as a retail manager and buyer in three different states, then as a private teacher running a clandestine music studio in Saudi Arabia. To say that my resume had holes in it would have been putting it mildly, but instead of eyeing me with justifiable alarm, Dr. Beard put me at ease, we chatted, and he eventually hired me, first as a staff accompanist, and then over the years in a variety of other roles within the School of Music.
Dr. Beard had a lot more confidence in me than I had in myself and had me accomplishing things I didn’t think I would be capable of doing, something he did with everyone he mentored. I wished on more than one occasion that I had been lucky enough to have had him as a piano professor, but I learned so much from him in other ways that it almost seems as if he was one of my instructors.
We last chatted face-to-face on the morning of Feb. 26, catching up on things a bit while seated next to each other after our second Covid vaccinations. Despite his now elevated position at Shepherd University, he treated me with the same friendly warmth and courtesy he had always shown me when we worked together in the School of Music. I will miss him on many levels, but perhaps the most for being uniquely and wonderfully himself.
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Dr. Jennifer Penland
Dearest Scott,
Thank you for the continued positive support upon my return to Shepherd University three years ago. It has been a wonderful, and challenging journey which was only achievable with your leadership and strong advocacy for the School of Education…We will carry on as you would have wanted us to do so. You will be missed, my friend and colleague ~JP
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Richard Polonchak
A memory … Scott was very kind to me and my twin sons (then age 10) after he heard us play in 1998 as our newly-formed Two Rivers Trio. He invited us to perform a recital on the Reynolds Hall Recital Series (which he created). He accompanied us not only as a trio but also accompanied each of them in a complete violin concerto. I well-remember the night of the performance when we all met early and ran through parts of each piece before the audience arrived. When we finished, Scott opened up his briefcase and pulled out a large white cloth and a can of Pledge furniture wax . He then began to polish the Steinway piano and said, “We ALL have to look our best — even the piano !!” (I still smile when I see those cans of Pledge and remember Scott)
A memory … Scott loved to invite faculty members to perform with him on recitals and I remember a time he invited all the musicians to his house for a reception. I met his mother there and said something to her like, “Well, I guess your son can take tomorrow off after playing all that music tonight?” She shook her head and told me, “No – you don’t understand. He CAN’T take tomorrow off – he’ll be starting his ‘next musical adventure’ tomorrow … if he hasn’t already gotten started tonight!” Because Scott loved to perform himself, he brought so much live music to Shepherd and to Shepherdstown. I’ll miss the aliveness of his energy … I’ll have it in my memory forever!
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Dr. Ann Marie Legreid
I was privileged to work with Scott Beard for more than a decade in various capacities and on projects large and small. I have a great volume of superlatives to describe him, but the one I prefer is professional extraordinaire. If we needed an answer, he was there. If we voiced a concern, he was there. If we needed help with heavy lifting, he was there. His work ethic was second to none. He was articulate, precise, professional, and upbeat, and a consummate host. He glowed with optimism and creativity. My most cherished memories are when he transported us on a magic carpet of musical extravaganza, i.e., piano concerts and singalongs at Shepherd and in his home. He was a brilliant musician. Death doesn’t take what never dies. His musical brilliance and his positive energies will live on in many forms and in the lives of the countless people he touched. Blessed be his memory.
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Dr. Carol Plautz
Scott, you were always so stylish, clever, kind, and full of positive energy. Will always remember your great hospitality and your love of dogs, not to mention your great musical talents. You are greatly missed.