Shepherd University’s Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm Dedicates Wilmoth Agricultural Learning Hub

ISSUED: 20 April 2026
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, - SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. On Monday, April 20, Shepherd University dedicated the new Wilmoth Agricultural Learning Hub at Tabler Farm, part of the University's Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm, further advancing the mission of the Innovation Center's mission to educate and empower future farmers.

The Hub recognizes the generous support of Shepherd alum Paul Wilmoth '74, whose contributions have helped advance the Innovation Center's focus on sustainable agriculture, hands-on learning, and community engagement. Wilmoth also serves on the Agricultural Innovation Center Advisory Board.

The event kicked-off with opening remarks by Dr. William Benjamin "Ben" Martz, Jr., chair of the Department of Business Administration and dean of the College of Business at Shepherd, who provided opening remarks, welcome attendees, and give due praise to Shepherd President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix, who, Dr. Martz shared, "without her enabling vision, drive, and focus on what this resource could be, we would not have what you see here today."

Before introducing Wilmoth, Dr. Hendrix shared her own poignant thoughts on his contributions to the Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm. We are indebted to Paul Wilmoth for giving us the opportunity to host environmental science classes and community events at Tabler Farm through his extensive volunteer work," shared Dr. Hendrix. "The venues he has built will serve countless students and others as they visit the Farm and are enriched by its natural beauty and educational opportunities."

The Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm is a 158-acre historic property of forest and farmland that serves as a living classroom for Shepherd's environmental studies program, including its concentration in sustainable agriculture. The Innovation Center's initiatives are designed to strengthen the regional agricultural system by creating opportunities for both new and established farmers, as well as agricultural professionals, through a range of educational and applied programs.

A farmer himself who also ran a successful construction business in the area, Wilmoth understands the critical role education plays in advancing conservation efforts and shaping the future of agriculture. As he spoke at the event, Wilmoth expressed sincere gratitude for all those who supported him, including his family, donors, volunteers, and Shepherd students - and for the chance to be part of a community-enhancing program. "It's very humbling to have Tabler Farm associated with the Wilmoth name," said Wilmoth, who also acknowledged the importance of regenerative agriculture. "When we talk about regenerative agriculture, we talk about more than just learning and farming. Regenerative agriculture means rebuilding soil health, increasing biodiversity, and creating a system where soil, plants, and people all work together. We're doing this at Tabler Farm," Wilmoth shared with the audience.

He also went on to acknowledge Dr. Hendrix's role in bringing the program to life and shaping the future of agricultural education. "Dr Hendrix, your vision for shaping the future of our students to help them understand how to repair soil and see how integrating plants and animals together can improve not only yield but also our health and the health of our community. Your vision was the beginning of this great program, and I'm so lucky to be a part of it."

This is not the first time Wilmoth has been recognized for his longstanding support of Shepherd . He and his wife, Patti Wilmoth '73, are steadfast volunteers and donors. Both have been honored for their dedication to Shepherd's athletics programs and their contributions to campus restoration initiatives.

The Wilmoth Agricultural Learning Hub at Tabler Farm is home to many programs and resources, including the Tabler Student Farm, a student-run demonstration and educational farm that provides hands-on learning opportunities in small-scale sustainable agriculture and agricultural business management. In addition, the Hub hosts the Agricultural Small Business Incubator, a program that supports aspiring farmers by helping them overcome common barriers to entry. Participants have access to land, equipment, mentorship, and training to launch successful, sustainable agricultural enterprises.

The Wilmoth Agricultural Learning Hub at Tabler Farm is part of Shepherd's Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm, located at 482 Billmyer Mill Road, just one mile from Shepherd University's main campus.

For more information, visit www.shepherd.edu/sustainable-agriculture/incubator-farm-program.

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