Shenandoah University: A History of Growth and Transformation

From Seminary to University: The Early Years

The story of Shenandoah University begins in 1875 with Rev. A.P. Funkhouser, who established a school in Dayton, Virginia, initially referred to as Dayton High School. This school catered to "a group of young men, eleven in number" for "some special studies from February 12 to June 11, 1875." Prof. J.N. was also involved in these early days. In the autumn of 1877, the institution's name was changed to Shenandoah Seminary. The Church of the United Brethren in Christ (U.B. Church) began sending an annual visiting committee to monitor the school's progress. The school provided young men and women in the U.B. with educational opportunities. On April 25, Rev. J.E. played a role in the institution's development.

On April 2, Shenandoah Seminary was incorporated by the Virginia legislature. During the institution’s early years only rudimentary subjects were taught. On Aug. On June 13, Judge William McLaughlin, 13th Judicial Circuit of Virginia, certified the charter, making the Virginia Annual Conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ the owners of the institution. The institution was later re-chartered as the Shenandoah Institute. The Shenandoah Institute experienced rapid growth in facilities, programs, and the student body.

Growth and Change in the Early 20th Century

The addition of James H. Elmer marked a period of continued development. James H. Elmer also contributed significantly to the institution. Shenandoah provided a 26-piece band, under the direction of William Ruebush, to accompany the Second Regiment Virginia Volunteers to the Mexican border. Colonel Robert F. Leedy, commanding the Second, noted that "this band was composed of men who were easily the peers of any and the superiors of many in like occupation on the Border." According to James Ruebush, "Practically all the young men" over the age of 18 who enrolled at Shenandoah were drafted to serve in the United States military during World War I.

Shortly after the 1918-1919 academic year began, the Spanish flu pandemic reached Virginia. Ruebush took great pride that Shenandoah did not lose "a single" student to the Spanish flu. David T. Gregory accepted the reins of the institution from James H. Arthur L. Vernon L. Wade S. Elmer N. Funkhouser was named president of Shenandoah and was succeeded by Lycurgus P.

Expanding Horizons: Music, Nursing, and Integration

The Conservatory of Music achieved accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Troy R. played a role in the institution's musical development. Discussions between James R. Dr. Forrest S. were important for the institution's growth.

Shenandoah assumed responsibility for the nursing program from the Winchester Hospital’s (now Valley Health) School of Nursing. It was the fourth school in Virginia to offer an Associate of Science (ASN) degree in nursing and the second-oldest ASN degree program in the state.

On June 21, President Racey expressed his intention to integrate Shenandoah in a letter to Dr. Elmer N. Funkhouser. Dr. Robert P. was also involved in these discussions.

Becoming a University: A Time of Consolidation and Expansion

The college and conservatory became a single institution - Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music - with four divisions that were the beginning of the Conservatory, the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Health Professions, and the School of Business. The Dorothy Ewing Dance Studio was built, thanks to donations from Ms. Ewing and her friend Mary K.

The Century II Program, a bold fund-raising effort, was launched in 1975, the school’s 100th anniversary. Dr. James A. played a key role in these developments. The official inauguration for President Davis was held on April 9. Special guests included former Shenandoah presidents Wade S. Miller, Troy R. Brady, and Forrest S.

Shenandoah began an $850,000 restoration project on the John Kerr Building in downtown Winchester to save the c. 1883 structure. The business school was named the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business. Construction began on Mary M. Mary H. were also instrumental in the university's growth.

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Shenandoah College and Conservatory became Shenandoah University on Jan. Shenandoah moved from the Eastern States Athletic Conference to the Dixie Conference (now USA South Conference). Alson H. Smith Jr. was a key figure in the university's development. The Alson H. Smith Jr. Durell Institute of Monetary Science began operations in the School of Business. (The Durell Institute was later relocated to the Alson H. Smith Jr. building).

New Programs and Facilities: A Focus on Health and Technology

The university admitted the first students into its occupational therapy program. Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy programs moved into 333 Cork St. The Health Professions Building, leased by Shenandoah, opened on the campus of the Winchester Medical Center. Shenandoah admitted its first class of doctoral pharmacy students - 63 in all. IBM laptops were distributed to all pharmacy students and an internet-based pharmacy curriculum was implemented.

Working out of space in Handley High School, WCT cable television debuted on Feb. 14. Shenandoah’s James L. was involved in the development of the television program. The John O. Marsh Institute for Government and Public Policy was founded and was housed in the Alson H. Smith Jr. building. Shenandoah launched its first online degree program.

A Legacy of Giving: Honoring Dr. Bernard J. Dunn

The school of pharmacy at the site of the Winchester Medical Center, was renamed the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy. Dr. and Mrs. Bernard J. Dunn Jr. gave Shenandoah the largest single gift in its history to this point - $10 million. The school’s name honors Dr. Shenandoah admitted students for two new master’s programs in the School of Health Professions: athletic training and physician assistant studies.

Athletics and Expansion in the 21st Century

The Hornets opened their second football season in the university’s new Shentel Stadium. The $750,000 naming-rights agreement with Edinburgh, Va.-based Shenandoah Telecommunications Company was the first of its kind in NCAA Division III. The university dedicated its new Northern Virginia Campus facility on Route 7 east of Leesburg, Va. The university bought the Millwood Avenue Fire & Rescue Squad building.

Shenandoah announced its unique Global Citizenship Project (GCP), which sends 60 members of the campus community to destinations around the world over spring break - all expenses paid by the university. The Edwards Residential Village - formerly the Quality Inn -was dedicated. The new 158-bed residence hall was named in honor of H. The Romine Living Center - formerly the Holiday Inn Executive Center -was dedicated. The new 48-bed residence hall was named in honor of former trustee George L. The university now owns 123 acres - considerably more than the 45 acres when Dr. Davis began his presidency.

The Vickers Communication Center - an expanded television center on Millwood Avenue - was dedicated. The Dayton Bridge, funded in large part by alumni from Shenandoah’s Dayton, Va., era, was dedicated on the main campus.

Leadership Transitions and Continued Growth

Dr. James A. Davis announced he would retire June 30, 2008, after 26 years at Shenandoah University, and the board of trustees announced its selection for his successor. Dr. Shenandoah Conservatory announced two significant appointments to the faculty. Halpin-Harrison Hall opened on Jan. 14 at the start of the spring semester. The Shenandoah University History & Tourism Center opened on Jan. 14 at the start of the spring semester. On May 6, the building was officially named Davis Hall, in honor of President James A. Davis.

The Chaplain’s Office at Shenandoah University evolved into the Spiritual Life team, under the direction of the dean of spiritual life and director of church relations. President James A. Davis signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, promising Shenandoah would do its part in the fight against global climate change. This pledge would be renewed in 2009 by Dr. Dr. James A. Davis retired at age 63, after serving as Shenandoah University’s president for 26 years. His vision and leadership took the institution from 874 students and 14 buildings to more than 3,300 students and almost 40 buildings, and from 11 undergraduate and two graduate programs to more than 80 undergraduate programs, 24 master’s programs, and nine doctoral programs.

Bryon Grigsby was named Shenandoah’s new senior vice president & vice president for academic affairs, replacing Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons who became the university’s president on July 1. Dr. Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons became Shenandoah University’s 16th president on July 1. Her official inauguration was set for Sept.

Athletics and Technology in the Modern Era

After playing on natural grass since the 2,500-seat football stadium was built in 2001, the Hornets now play home games on an artificial turf in-fill system. Shenandoah University is completely wired for broadband network and Internet access. Shenandoah University formed a collaborative affiliation with Inova Health System of Falls Church, Virginia, to support the university’s second-degree BSN program. Shenandoah now has 20 varsity sports. The 10 men’s sports are: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor track & field, lacrosse, outdoor track & field, soccer, and tennis.

The Shenandoah University baseball team qualified for its first-ever trip to the NCAA Division III World Series. After the NCAA championship, SU finished its most successful season in school history with a No.

Recognition and Innovation

Shenandoah University’s board of trustees voted unanimously to award the honorary title “president emeritus” to Dr. James A. Davis, the institution’s 15th president. In Shenandoah’s 134-year history, only one other former president has been given emeritus status; Dr. Shenandoah University participated in the 82nd Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Grand Feature Parade on May 2. The McKown Plaza was officially dedicated on April 28 with its benefactor, Trustee Emerita Suzanne White McKown, and members of her family in attendance. The Winchester Armory property was officially turned over to Shenandoah University on July 11. The building on Millwood Avenue opened on Dec. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

The iMLearning project began at Shenandoah, with MacBook laptop computers issued to all incoming full-time freshmen, some graduate students, and a select group of full-time faculty. Going Global: First-Year Seminar (FYS) completed its inaugural semester. FYS encouraged all full-time freshmen to expand their cultural awareness and provided a common experience for them, which helped them transition into college life together. Shenandoah University’s Northern Virginia Campus welcomed students for the beginning of the fall semester on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

Milestones and Branding

Shenandoah University celebrated its 50th anniversary in Winchester and honored its first 85 years in Dayton with the unveiling of the “We’re Golden” logo, signage throughout the community, 52 historic ads, and a 16-page tabloid donated by The Winchester Star and the 50th Anniversary Gala held during Homecoming Weekend. For the second year, the largest undergraduate class in institutional history was admitted with the highest academic profile. After 16 years of weekly publication, the Shenandoah University newspaper - The SUN - was published for the last time on May 5. Shenandoah University announced the purchase of the former Jno. S. Solenberger Co. building.

Shenandoah University launched a new brand platform and a new institutional signature to express its unique mission, vision, values, and personality. The Feltner Community Foundation and the Wilbur M. Feltner family donated The Feltner Building to Shenandoah University. The historic property in downtown Winchester, formerly known as 9 Court Square, is a complex of buildings situated at the northeast corner of Loudoun and Boscawen streets.

Leadership and Accreditation

Clarresa Morton was named Shenandoah’s new vice president for enrollment management & student success, a new vice president position overseeing the Office of Admissions, Academic Support Services, Career Services, and the Wilkins Wellness Center. Rhonda VanDyke was named Shenandoah’s new vice president for student life (previously student affairs). VanDyke is now responsible for the Office of Residence Life, the Department of Public Safety, the Office of Spiritual Life, and all aspects of Student Activities, including the operations of the Brandt Student Center, outdoor programs, recreational sports, and intramural sports.

The School of Business earned its maintenance of accreditation from the AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Shenandoah became the 14th member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) on July 1.

Distinguished Programs and Partnerships

Shenandoah University’s Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy and Shenandoah Conservatory were honored for Apple Distinguished Programs in pharmacogenomics and music production and recording technology (MPRT) for the 2011-12 school year. The university signed a letter of understanding with the City of Winchester, transferring management and oversight of Comcast Channel 20 to the city. Established in 1996 as “Winchester Community Television,” the channel served as a joint partnership between Shenandoah University, the City of Winchester, and Winchester Public Schools. Dr. W. Randy Boxx retired as dean of the School of Business.

Shenandoah University, together with Our Health, was awarded the Americorps Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) grant. Shenandoah University celebrated 50 years of nursing excellence and officially named the Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing. Shenandoah University received its first-ever National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant. The Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing acquired a $2.58 million federal grant, representing the largest competitive grant ever received by Shenandoah University.

Shenandoah University and Inova announced a collaboration to bring to Northern Virginia medical education programs designed to grow and strengthen the regional workforce. The Janette E. Ogg Research Center was dedicated. Shenandoah was awarded a three-year grant, in excess of $1.1 million, for a project to integrate interprofessional education into its advance practice nursing curriculum and prepare health professionals for rural health care initiatives. Department of Health and Human Services and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Adrienne G.

On Oct. Shenandoah’s Pharmacogenomics and Music Production & Recording Technology (MPRT) programs were renewed as Apple Distinguished Programs for 2013-15, a recognition first achieved in 2011. Shenandoah joined a consortium of Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) institutions entering into a landmark agreement with Richard Bland College of the College of William and Mary. The new Health & Life Sciences Building was completed. Shenandoah and Inova joined to expand graduate health education programs and strengthen the regional workforce in Northern Virginia.

Artistic Achievements and Innovative Learning

Under the direction of Associate Professor of Music Theatre Jonathan Flom, M.F.A., Shenandoah Conservatory premiered Green Day’s “American Idiot” on Sept. 26. The Collins Music Learning Suite, an innovative learning space for undergraduate and graduate music education students, was dedicated in October. The learning suite, located in rooms 209 and 211 of Ruebush Hall, provides enhanced instruction and access to technology for music education students, and is named for exemplary Shenandoah alumni, Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus Charlotte A. Collins ’85, Ed.D., and Professor Emeritus Verne E.

Shenandoah University was selected by the National Writing Project (NWP) as the official site for the Shenandoah Valley Writing Project (SVWP). In January, legendary jazz trumpeter, music educator, and GRAMMY Award-winning musician Wynton Marsalis completed his 2014-15 residency at Shenandoah Conservatory. On Feb. Shenandoah Conservatory Distinguished Professor Emeritus …

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