March 8, 2010
Dr. Scott Beard, professor of music at Shepherd University, was named first runner-up for the 2009 West Virginia Professor of the Year.
In addition to Beard, finalists from Marshall University, West Virginia University, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and Davis & Elkins College were honored during a banquet held March 3 at the Cultural Center in Charleston.
Beard, a Shepherd faculty member since 1999, earned his bachelor of music from the Peabody Institute and his master of music and music doctorate from the University of Maryland, College Park.
The Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia each year honors an outstanding faculty member at a West Virginia college or university. The award winner receives a $10,000 cash prize, with smaller awards to the other finalists. The Professor of the Year award is presented with financial support from United Bank.
Beard joins Shepherd colleagues Dr. Jerry Thomas, a finalist in 2007, and Dr. Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt and Dr. Linda Tate, winners in 2006 and 2004.