Job description
The Board of Governors of Shepherd University invites nominations and applications for the position of President of Shepherd University. Located in the vibrant and historic town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the university is well-positioned as an educational leader in the region of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. The successful candidate will succeed Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix, who is retiring after ten years of exemplary service as the sixteenth President of the university. The Board seeks to welcome a new president in early summer 2026.
Established in 1871, Shepherd University is a public university, grounded in the liberal arts, that sits on a 323-acre campus perched above the Potomac River, only 90 minutes from Washington DC and Baltimore. Shepherd University enrolls over 3,100 students in over 70 undergraduate programs. It also offers a variety of graduate degree programs, with one at the doctoral level. The University is known for its outstanding faculty and staff, small class sizes, and affordability. It boasts a full-range of extracurricular activities, including over 90 clubs and organizations, and thirteen intercollegiate sports teams.
Additional information about the college can be found at shepherd.edu and the Board’s Presidential Search (https://www.shepherd.edu/bog/presidential-search-process) site.
The search will be conducted in strict confidence until finalists are brought to campus.
Role of the President
The President reports to the twelve-member Board of Governors and is responsible for all operations of the University.
The next President will have the unique opportunity of building a strong and resilient university, equipped and ready for future challenges. The President is responsible for all aspects of running a complex university that is fiscally sound, provides outstanding student educational experiences, maintains a strong and motivated workforce, and effectively represents the University in the general community and across the structures of local, state, and federal government.
As required by the Shepherd University Board of Governors, the President will establish administrative and educational policies, present a sound budget, serve as spokesperson for the University, and promote its general welfare.
Based upon stakeholder focus groups and online surveys including more than 400 respondents, the Search Committee has identified the following key qualities, experiences, and characteristics for the position:
- Proven effective leadership qualities Visionary and entrepreneurial leader, who does not accept the status quo Exhibits courageous leadership-ability to make difficult decisions Collaborative decision-maker, who understands the concept of shared governance Provides transparent and collaborative leadership that includes effective team-building
- Commitment to higher education and student development Understands the challenges facing higher education Experience in enrollment management Demonstrated commitment to student success Supports student activities, including athletics Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of a liberal arts university complemented by thriving professional programs
- Effective management experience Strategic planning experience Proven success in fiscal management and ability to diversify revenue streams Uses data to drive decision-making Understands campus infrastructure issues, including deferred maintenance
- Demonstrated commitment to, and experience with community relations Experience in developing partnerships with businesses, government, and the K-12 sector Proven fund-raising success Experience in working with federal, state and local governmental officials Experience in effectively engaging with off-campus constituencies Has a willingness to develop a true appreciation and love for Shepherd University and the eastern panhandle region of West Virginia
- Personal characteristics that engender a positive campus environment Ability to foster a positive working environment on campus Visible and actively engaged with on campus constituencies Has uncompromising personal values (e.g., honesty, integrity, empathy, respectfulness) Effective communicator and listener
Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctoral degree Experience leading a large and complex enterprise Experience working with a higher education institution with similar challenges Experience working with students and developing programs that enhance their success Experience developing positive relationships with external organizations and government entities
How to apply
An application for the position will include:
- Cover letter that addresses the Key Qualities, Experiences, and Characteristics listed above Resume or curriculum vitae List of five professional references with full contact information and the relationship of each to the candidate.
The position is open until filled, but only applications received by November 28, 2025 can be assured full considerations.
Applications for the position will be made at the University’s confidential online portal. A simple, personal registration in the portal is required.
Nominations, expressions of interest or requests for confidential discussions about this opportunity should be submitted to the Search Consultant, Dr. Bradley Gottfried at [email protected] or by phone: 862-268-5576.
