Shepherd University Foundation Announces Faculty Excellence Recipients

ISSUED: 22 September 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - The Shepherd University Foundation made more than $58,000 available through endowed faculty excellence funds for the 2025-26 academic year. Ten faculty members received faculty excellence awards, and an eleventh received the Mentzer Award for Inspirational Teaching.

Faculty excellence endowments support faculty professional development across the University, covering expenses such as travel, conference registration, and supplies. The endowed chairs also help Shepherd attract, recognize, and retain outstanding scholars and academic leaders.

The 2025-26 faculty excellence recipients are:

• Joshua Beck - George Washington Chair of Ethics
• Vahid Biglari - Jerry & Carol Kerr Faculty Excellence; CohnReznick Accounting Faculty Excellence Award
• Tara Carlisle - Scarborough Society Faculty Excellence
• Jacquelyn Cole - John T. Reynolds Endowed Chair in Chemistry
• Caitlin Gill - Create the Future Faculty Award
• Ben Martz - Edward L. Snyder Endowed Chair for Business; Ramon A. and Mary E. Alvarez Faculty Excellence Fund for the College of Business
• Jennifer Murray - Dennis E. Frye Endowed Chair in Civil War Studies and Director of the Civil War Center; President's Faculty Excellence Award
• Julia Sandy - Ray & Madeline Johnston American History Chair
• Theresa Smith - Scarborough Society Faculty Excellence
• Cindy Vance - Jerry & Carol Kerr Faculty Excellence

Dr. Zachary Musselman received the Mentzer Award for Inspirational Teaching. The annual $1,000 award recognizes a full-time faculty member whose teaching has had a profound impact on students.

Together, these awards support the teaching, scholarship, and professional growth that strengthen the Shepherd experience for students.

To learn more about giving to a faculty excellence fund or creating a new one, visit shepherduniversityfoundation.org, call 304-876-5397, or email [email protected].

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