Shepherd University receives gift of property to establish academic field station

Shepherd University has recently received a gift in the form of 65 acres along a river in Berkeley County, West Virginia. The property, which belongs to Admiral/Dr. William L. “Bill” Stubblefield and Dr. Bonnie M. Stubblefield until they no longer live on it, will become a unique living/learning space for the university that will provide students with space for cross-disciplinary research.

According to an article on Shepherd University’s website, university president President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix was quoted as saying of the gift, “Shepherd University is deeply grateful to Bill and Bonnie Stubblefield for their vision, generosity, and longstanding commitment to higher education and civil discourse. This remarkable gift expands our capacity to educate, inspire, and innovate across disciplines and in partnership with the broader community.”

Once the Stubblefields vacate the property, the university will maintain the land and operate it as the Stubblefield Academic Field Station. The property has wooded acreage, riverfront access, a residence, several commercial-grade buildings, garages, and a boathouse.

Speaking of their decision to donate their land to the university, the Stubblefields said, “We are pleased with the plans Shepherd has for our property. We have enjoyed this scenic vista since 1988, and wanted to share the venue with future generations so they can learn about their environment and prepare to preserve its value for the community and humanity.”

The university has plans for many uses for the space, including as a site for academic retreats, cross-disciplinary research, environmental fieldwork, experiential learning, workshops, and professional development retreats, and as a site for collaborative research with partner organizations, like the Potomac Valley Audubon Society.

Hendrix said, “Shepherd has demonstrated its commitment to thoughtful preservation through our stewardship of properties like the George Tyler Moore Center, the Agricultural Innovation Center at Tabler Farm, and the Catherine Weltzheimer House. This gift reinforces that legacy while opening exciting new opportunities for teaching, research, and community connection.”

It is planned that the property will be valuable for students in programs like biology, environmental science, business, recreation and sports, and nursing, among others.

Dr. Ben Martz, the dean of Shepherd University’s College of Business and Recreation, shared his enthusiasm for the many ways the university can utilize the space. He said, “We are energized by the possibilities this gift represents. It will serve as an incubator for innovation, reflection, collaboration, and leadership—for Shepherd students today and generations to come.”

For more information about Shepherd University, visit the school’s website.