Shepherd University Celebrates Investiture of Dr. Cameron B. Wesson as Its 17th President

ISSUED: 30 October 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Shepherd University celebrated the investiture of Dr. Cameron B. Wesson as its 17th president on Friday, October 30, during a ceremony at the University's Butcher Athletic Center.

The ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff, elected officials, community members, and guests. The investiture was the centerpiece of three days of inauguration events celebrating Wesson and the Shepherd University community.

The program included greetings from U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Representative Riley Moore, and members of the University community. Dr. Jack DeRochi, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, welcomed attendees. Austin J. Slater Jr., chair of the Shepherd University Board of Governors, Matt Turner, executive vice chancellor for administration of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and Dr. Andrew Beaupré, curator of archeological collections at the Main State Museum, also offered their remarks.

Wesson said serving as president of Shepherd was the greatest honor of his career.

"I am humbled to be named the 17th President of Shepherd University," said Wesson. "I have already learned that people are our greatest strength. That includes our many supporters who believe in the work we are doing for our students and the region."

During his inaugural address, Wesson acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, and how Shepherd would rise to meet them.

"Shepherd, like higher education itself, stands at a crossroads," Wesson said. "We can't rest on our storied accomplishments. We can be proud of what we've done, confident in who we are, and ambitious in what we seek to become."

Wesson pointed to the faculty, staff, and community as critical to move this important work forward.

"We will ensure everyone knows what a Shepherd education means. It is affordable and accessible to everyone. It prepares you for more than a job; it leads to meaningful and productive careers. We will embrace technology while insisting technology serves humanity-not the other way around.

The Shepherd University Wind Symphony and Chamber Singers provided music. Audrey Collis '28 performed the national anthem, and the Jefferson High School JROTC presented the colors. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Matthew Cowden, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, gave the invocation and benediction.

The ceremony was followed by a community reception at the Shepherd University Wellness Center.

Inauguration celebrations began on October 28 with Shepherd University's 26th annual Shep-or-Treat and continued on October 29 with the Ram Fam Community Picnic and a men's soccer match against West Chester.

On October 30, students mingled with the president during an ice cream party prior to the formal ceremony. A Shepherd University Jazz Ensemble concert in honor of the inauguration was held at the Frank Arts Center after the ceremony and community reception.

As part of the inauguration celebration, Wesson selected Shepherd's Last Dollar Fund for gifts in his honor. The fund supports students with tuition-related expenses when an unpaid balance stands between them and pursuing their education.

For more information about the inauguration, visit shepherd.edu/president/the-inauguration-of-cameron-b-wesson-ph-d.

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