ISSUED: 12 December 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University and Berkeley County Schools (BCS) announced a new initiative to give high school students easier access to higher education.
Through this initiative, any student graduating from Hedgesville High School, Martinsburg High School, Musselman High School, or Spring Mills High School with a GPA of 2.5 or higher will be automatically accepted at Shepherd.
“This is a wonderful program for our students,” BCS superintendent Dr. Ryan Saxe said. “This partnership will open up so many opportunities, academically and beyond.”
Saxe said the partnership will also foster a closer relationship with Shepherd, making it easier for students to pursue their education beyond high school.
“Shepherd is a part of the Eastern Panhandle community, but this initiative will connect them to our high schools in a meaningful way for students,” Saxe said.
Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix agreed, adding that the partnership is a testament to the values shared by BCS and Shepherd.
“Like all of us at Shepherd University, the team at Berkeley County Schools is dedicated to the success of their students,” Hendrix said. “We are so excited about this partnership and what it means for the young people who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
Automatic acceptance means students do not have to take any action to enroll.
“Typically, a student has to gather information to fill out an application, pay the fees, then submit everything,” said Will Bell, vice president of enrollment management at Shepherd. “This agreement means eligible students don’t have to do anything.”
Bell said accepted students will receive a letter, but he hopes to tell as many students as he can in person.
“Part of what makes Shepherd appealing to so many students is the community, so we want to introduce that [community] right away and show those students that they matter to us as individuals,” Bell said.
An estimated 1,030 BCS students are on track for automatic acceptance in the spring of 2025.
The initiative with BCS highlights Shepherd’s dedication to ensuring the success of every student and supporting them through their academic career. Shepherd hopes to establish similar partnerships with Jefferson and Morgan County Schools.
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