Stubblefield Institute Celebrates Four Community Leadership and Advocacy Certificate Graduates

ISSUED: 15 December 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - The Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications, housed at Shepherd University and dedicated to strengthening civil discourse and civic engagement, celebrated four graduates of its Community Leadership and Civil Advocacy (CLCA) Certificate program at a recognition event on December 11. University and Stubblefield Institute leadership, faculty, staff, and community partners who contributed their expertise to the program joined in honoring the cohort's achievements.

"The CLCA equips students with the skills, structure, and opportunities to advocate for issues and engage with decision makers, including in local government," said Stubblefield Institute's Program Coordinator Graham Scott at the celebration.

The CLCA program is designed to equip emerging leaders with the tools, confidence, and practical experience needed to make a positive impact in their communities. The 15-week curriculum blends instruction in advocacy, leadership development, community assessment, and civic engagement. Participants also develop an advocacy project addressing a real community need, guided by nonprofit executives, government officials, and business leaders who serve as instructors and mentors.

Throughout the program, 16 community leaders shared their expertise in areas such as coalition building, public policy, nonprofit management, communication strategy, and effective advocacy. Shepherd University and community partners also participated in evaluating students' final project pitches.

Dr. Bill Stubblefield, who founded the Institute along with his wife, Dr. Bonnie Stubblefield, addressed and congratulated the graduates on their projects.

"The community benefits, but you as individuals benefit a great deal as well," said Stubblefield. "I would encourage you not to give up, and I applaud what you've done."

Shepherd University's 2025 CLCA Certificate recipients and their advocacy projects include:

• Leigh Ann Evanson, Local Advocate: Making Shepherdstown a Bike-Friendly Community

• Charli Gibson, Senior Staff Member, Boys and Girls Club of Martinsburg-Berkeley County: Teaching Leadership Skills with the Mason Jar Method

• Chris Harris, RBA - Business Emphasis: Creating a Shepherd University Business Attraction Task Force

• Katie Thompson, Junior, Business Administration: Implementing Recycling at Shepherd University

The CCLA program is funded in part through a grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, supporting the Institute's mission to strengthen civic leadership in West Virginia and the broader region.

The next CLCA cohort will be offered online and begins January 13, 2026. For more information or to apply, contact Graham Scott at (304) 876-5279 or [email protected].

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