Shepherd University is beginning the implementation of its 10-year master plan, which will bring many changes to the overall appearance of the campus.
At the June 6, 2013 meeting of the Shepherd University Board of Governors, the board voted to accept the presented 10-year master plan, with only one member objecting. The plan was then forwarded to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Once in place students will see many changes to the existing campus.
Small changes will occur in 2014 according to the published master plan documents. The Ram Stand will be renovated for year round use. Additionally, the Boiler House, located beside Knutti Hall, will be turned into a café for student use.
When asked about the impact of the renovation of the Boiler House, an older campus building, Dr. Keith Alexander, assistant professor of history and historic preservation, was pleased with the plans.
“I’m glad that Shepherd has found an appropriate use for the structure. Buildings that have a use tend to be preserved,” Alexander said.
Signage announcing Shepherd University’s presence will be installed along route 480. According to the plan, the sign will “create a clear sense of arrival to the Shepherd University campus.”
A “campus identity sign and banners” will “create a colorful sense of campus identity.” Lighting and plantings are also recommended for the new sign location.
The entrance to West Campus is planned to receive the same treatment, featuring signs to announce the university’s presence. The plan does express the potential concern of a future traffic roundabout which is tentatively planned west of the campus on route 45.
Pedestrian paths on the east and west sides of campus will both see several improvements. The plan states new electrical wiring will be required so that increased lighting can be installed to ensure student safety. Additionally, it highlights the presence of areas along the East Campus path to the underpass that will be renovated to ensure they are handicap compliant. The installation of new landscaping will “include shade trees and benches to allow for areas where students can stop and relax or sit and read or study.”
Student opinion is varied with regard to the impending changes the plan will bring. While many students, when questioned, were unaware of the presence of the plan, others expressed concern about the cost and availability of the money necessary.
Brandon Nicholas, a junior English major, stated he is “against the appropriation of funds for aesthetic advancements at the cost of academic funding.”
He pointed to recent cuts in operating expenses for the school as an area of concern. However, Nicholas does favor the “advancement of Shepherd’s image” if funding can be restored to academics.
John Isner, vice president of the Student Government Association and political science major, acknowledges that first-year changes may be small in comparison to the full 10-year program, but they are “key to reinforcing the entire plan itself.” Isner pointed to the construction of new residence halls and a new dining hall as a major step forward.
While he would like to see new academic buildings built at a faster pace, he is pleased with the plan as a whole: “I think that every step in the plan is beneficial and has been well-designed.”
Stephan Viau, a 2013 Shepherd graduate who still lives in the area, called the plan “masturbatory.”
“While there are departments around campus operating with too few chairs for all of their students to sit during class, the school is busy shamelessly promoting itself,” Viau said.
Students who wish to view a copy of the 10-year master plan can find it on Shepherd’s homepage.