WNMU President delivers State of the University speech

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WNMU President Dr. Joseph Shepard spoke to a full auditorium Friday night at the Silco Theater, delivering his State of the University address. He said the university had 458 more students this time this year, than last year, and welcomed the largest freshman class ever - 500 students - this year. He said plans to build another dorm would nearly triple on-campus student population - increasing it from 300 students to 800 students.

SILVER CITY WNMU President Joseph Shepard spoke to Silver City residents on Friday evening about the state of the university and his plans for the future.

A crowd of more than 80 filled the Silco Theater and heard Shepard talk about campus improvements, new technology, enrollment, and adding sports teams and new degrees.

Shepard said enrollment was up.

"We have 458 more students from this time last year," he said. "This is also the largest incoming freshman class in school history."

Shepard said WNMU had started a new Orientation Program to welcome new students and was planning to start an Outdoor Program to take advantage of what Gila National Forest has to offer.

Many faculty in attendance clapped and cheered when Shepard said the university was able to give faculty a raise this year, the first time in four years.

"We have to remain competitive by offering competitive salaries," he said. "After hiring the best, we have to retain the best."

Campus improvement and renovations are at the top of the list, Shepard said. He plans on renovating and modernizing classrooms with the latest technology. He also said that the university needs to get rid of old degrees and replace them with new, more relevant programs.

"If you're a business, you can't afford to hold on to a product that doesn't sell anymore," he said. "Universities need to be the same."

Shepard plans to add new dorms to raise on-campus living from 300 students to 800 students. He also wants to add women's soccer and swimming to WNMU's sports. Doing so would allow the university to bring back baseball, he said.

"We are clear where we are going," he said. "We need help from our city, our county and you."

Shepard is entering his second full year as the university's president. He said he plans to deliver a State of the University address each year.

Daniel Laverty can be reached at (575) 538-5893 ext. 5803

Source: http://www.scsun-news.com/silver_city-news/ci_21345038?source=rss

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