SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — Shepherd University President Dr. Mary Hendrix believes the recent rightsizing of the university is beginning to pay off.
“Our spring enrollment is trending 3% of last year,” Hendrix said. “Of course, we are already working on Fall of 2024. Our undergraduate deposit is trending 18% higher than this time last year.”
Shepherd announced in November that five-degree programs would be discontinued as part of its ongoing review.
The Shepherd University Board of Governors also voted to eliminate eight minors or concentrations as part of the University’s fiscal rightsizing efforts.
Hendrix said the strategic plan was developed by the university’s entire faculty, staff and student body before it received the approval of the BOG.
“This plan focused on the student experience,” Hendrix said.
Programs that will be discontinued include the Master of Science in data analytics and information systems and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in nutrition. The B.S. in computer and information technology, B.S. in computer engineering, and B.S. in data analytics will also be discontinued, but curriculum will be configured into one degree, a B.S. in computer and information sciences with concentrations in cybersecurity and information science.
Hendrix said she’s pleased with the reaction to the cuts and the bounce that enrollment numbers have received. She also believes recent success of former Shepherd athletes is helping the school’s brand. Colorado Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle is a Gold Glove winner and Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent made big news in the NFL earlier this season.
“Shepherd University is benefiting tremendously by the marketing that is going on with our brand across the nation with Brenton Doyle and Tyson Bagent,” Hendrix said.
Second semester classes begin at Shepherd on Jan. 8.