Shepherd University Students Engage in Policy Development Through New Statewide Initiative

ISSUED: 2 April 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Mee

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Shepherd University students in Dr. Stephanie Slocum-Schaffer's policy research class joined West Virginia state and community leaders for the Stubblefield Institute's pilot session of a new initiative, West Virginia Emerging.

Developed over several years, West Virginia Emerging is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and administered by Shepherd University. The program is designed to bring students into the policymaking process by connecting them with lawmakers, practitioners, and community leaders to collaboratively address complex challenges facing the state.

Slocum-Schaffer, a professor in the Department of Political Science, and Dr. Lindsey Levitan, a political psychologist at the University, spent the past year researching facilitation and solution-building methods. Their work focused on creating a structured, collaborative approach to policy development that emphasizes dialogue, shared understanding, and actionable outcomes.

Each year, the initiative will focus on a policy issue identified in coordination with the West Virginia Legislature. The inaugural topic, early childhood education, reflects a critical priority with long-term implications for the state's workforce, health outcomes, and economic future.

Eighteen participants took part in the one-day pilot session, facilitating small-group discussions before reconvening as a full group to synthesize ideas and identify key themes. The session also informed planning for a larger, statewide conference scheduled for September 2026.

Participants described the experience as both engaging and impactful.

"It was really thought-provoking, and it was cool to see everyone's perspective on the issue," said Easton Snapp, a student participant. "You could take their perspectives and the information they gave you and relate that to what you already knew and figure out new approaches to the policy issue."

Ann Ali, deputy chief of staff and communications director for the West Virginia House of Delegates, emphasized the importance of broad participation in policy discussions.

"It's always encouraging when new and diverse groups come together to discuss the challenges facing our state-especially when that includes students interested in policy," Ali said. "We want students to know there are many ways to contribute. Not everyone has to run for office-we need people throughout the system to help government work effectively."

For organizers, the pilot marked a significant milestone.

"This represents the culmination of at least four years of work," said Ashley Horst, executive director of the Stubblefield Institute. "With early support from U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito and strong collaboration with the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate, we were able to bring this vision to life. The strong feedback we've received gives us momentum as we prepare for the full conference in September."

Slocum-Schaffer underscored the value of the collaborative format.

"This was a highly productive day," she said. "Bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders and hearing a wide range of perspectives provided valuable insight and strong preparation for what comes next."

The Stubblefield Institute will use insights from the pilot session to refine the West Virginia Emerging model ahead of its full-scale launch this fall. The September conference will convene a broader group of participants to continue developing policy recommendations on early childhood education while strengthening connections between students, policymakers, and community leaders.

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