Shepherd to hail its chief

April 25, 1997

By CLYDE FORD

Staff Writer, Charles Town

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. - When David L. Dunlop talks about the events scheduled for his inauguration this weekend, he seems embarrassed about the attention.

The 14th president of Shepherd College is finally being officially inaugurated, eight months after he started the job.

"This is really an institutional celebration," Dunlop said recently. "While it's my inauguration, it's really something for the college."

Dunlop was vice president of academic affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Pa., before being named president of Shepherd College.

"It's been wonderful," he said. "It's been extremely rewarding. The cooperation I've received is outstanding."

Dunlop said the college has made progress in reorganizing the academic structure and has begun new programs.

Work is under way on a $4.4 million library addition.

"Most of the good things happening at the institution are because of the work of others," Dunlop said. "I see myself as head cheerleader, trying to come up with the overall direction."

Dunlop said he has an "open door policy," which allows any faculty member, staff worker, student or town resident to make an appointment to meet with him.

Dunlop said that keeps him tied down to his desk more than he would like, but he thinks it's important to listen to others.

"I think that's important, especially for the first year or so," Dunlop said.

Dunlop said he believes the key to administering a college successfully is putting good people in place and then letting them work.

"All I have to do is stay out of their way," he said with a laugh.

The worst part of the job he's found so far is the long commute to Charleston, W.Va., to meet with state officials, something he has to do about once or twice a month.

Dunlop said the reason the inaugural ceremonies and events were delayed until this weekend was so they could be held during the school's 125th anniversary celebration this year.

The inaugural events scheduled are:

Today, 8 p.m., a lecture at Reynolds Hall, "Happenings Close Beside Potomac's Water." A reception follows in the Shepherd Room at McMurran Hall.
Saturday, 10 a.m., tree planting ceremony. At 1:30 p.m., inauguration of Dunlop as the 14th president of the college at Frank Center Theater, followed by a reception on Butcher Center Plaza. At 8 p.m., inaugural ball, Holiday Inn, Martinsburg, W.Va. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $35 for Shepherd faculty, staff and students.
Sunday, 7 p.m., the play "Lincoln" will be performed as part of the inaugural weekend activities at the Apollo Theater in Martinsburg. A reception will follow the performance on the theater's second floor. Tickets are $5 for adults, free for students.

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