Shepherd Student Leaders Attend 20th Annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference

ISSUED: 11 June 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Student leaders and staff from Shepherd University played a key role in the 20th annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference, held May 20-22 at Canaan Valley Resort.

The conference, themed "Serving Community, Building Community," was sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and brought together more than 70 student leaders representing 15 colleges and universities across the state. The annual event provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, exchange ideas, and build connections with peers from institutions throughout West Virginia.

Representing Shepherd University were Tyler Furbee, Student Government Association (SGA) president; Kierra Westfall, SGA vice president; Kaylee Arbogast, communications director; Nicholas Jose Carpenter, treasurer; and Noora Mounib, campus relations officer.

Shepherd's involvement extended beyond student participation. Rachael Meads, director of student activities and leadership and SGA advisor, and Jack Shaw, assistant vice president for auxiliary services, served on the conference planning team and coordinated conference logistics. Meads also served as a conference facilitator and led a best practices workshop for student leaders from across the state.

"Since its inception 20 years ago, Shepherd has been a key partner in planning and supporting the conference alongside the Higher Education Policy Commission," Meads said. "This year's conference challenged students to think about leadership through the lens of service and community. They returned to campus energized and ready to pursue new opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and service."

In addition, Jackson Heath, coordinator of student community services, delivered a keynote presentation on meaningful service in leadership, while adjunct professor Adam Booth entertained attendees with an evening of traditional Appalachian storytelling.

Throughout the three-day conference, students participated in leadership workshops, keynote presentations, and collaborative discussions focused on strengthening campus communities through service and engagement. Attendees also shared best practices, discussed challenges facing higher education, and developed strategies for enhancing student experiences at their respective institutions.

The conference serves as a cornerstone leadership development opportunity for student government leaders and emerging student leaders in West Virginia, helping participants prepare for the upcoming academic year while fostering collaboration among the state's higher education institutions.

For more information about Shepherd University's Student Government Association, visit www.shepherd.edu.

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