Shepherd appointed VP for student, external affairs

July 5, 2012

Dr. Lewis Shepherd Jr., who has served as Henderson State University’s vice president for external programs since 2009, has been named the university’s vice president for student and external affairs. Shepherd’s appointment was effective July 1.

Shepherd will have oversight responsibility for the division of student affairs which includes admissions, residence life, financial aid and university police, along with the student recreation center, student health center, dean of students, student center, and international student programs. He will retain responsibilities for the Community Education Center which includes the university’s economic and community development leadership.

“During the last three years, I have had a tremendous opportunity to work for Henderson State University through the office of external affairs,” Shepherd said. “Today, I look forward to the opportunity of working with dedicated and loyal employees who, collectively, will use our gifts and energy to focus on two of the important parts of our mission – student and community development.”

Henderson President Dr. Glendell Jones said, “Dr. Shepherd’s passion for students and his involvement in the communities of South Arkansas have long been recognized as two of his core strengths. His leadership style and proven ability will serve the university well as we strive to meet the growing needs of our students, the state’s transition to performance funding in fall 2013, and the significant challenges presented by enrollment management.

“Merging the offices of student and external affairs under the leadership of Dr. Shepherd will significantly enhance Henderson’s ability to address these and other student-centered items that will emerge from the campus. I am grateful Dr. Shepherd has agreed to accept this appointment and I am looking forward to working with him in this new capacity.”

“The merging of the offices is a prime example of Dr. Jones’ concern for students and our primary service area of Southwest Arkansas,” Shepherd said. “This merger provides a direct avenue to get our students into the community to serve in various capacities, as well as to get local citizens more involved in the university community.

“The presidency of Dr. Jones is indeed a defining moment in the life of Henderson State University, and we are excited about his leadership,” said Shepherd. “Dr. Jones is an energetic and seasoned administrator who consistently displays vision, progressiveness and integrity.”

Shepherd came to Henderson in 2009 from Ouachita Baptist University where had served as the assistant to the president for special programs and university compliance officer. Shepherd
began working at Ouachita in 1980 as assistant dean of students. He served as director of TRIO programs from 1987 to 1998. Shepherd was then named assistant to the president for special programs and compliance officer. He also serves as pastor at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. Shepherd’s wife, Dr. Joyce Shepherd, is an associate professor of sociology/human services at Henderson.

After he graduated cum laude from Ouachita in 1980 with a bachelor of arts degree in religion, Shepherd earned his master of science in education degree from OBU in 1982. In 1997, he received his doctor of education degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with an emphasis in higher education administration.

Shepherd is active in the community, serving on several boards and commissions. He is an Arkansas State Police commissioner, and serves on the Summit Bank Board of Directors, the South Arkansas Development Corporation board and the Economic Development Corporation of Clark County.

For more information about Henderson State University, please go to www.hsu.edu.