Dr. Thomas McKenna
Professor of Philosophy and History
Professor Mc Kenna is an interdisciplinary scholar in the history of philosophy, religion, and the arts. He is a poet and has edited the short run journal Holler: A Journal of Poetry and Prose, now part of the permanent collection of the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, West Virginia. As a professor, Dr. McKenna says his goal is to help students understand that the answers to life’s big questions vary, but that it is important to understand everyone else’s answers to better grasp the rich diversity of our world our place in it. Whether it be Language, Literature, History, Philosophy, or Religion, the Department of Humanities will prepare you for success in any field you choose by teaching you how to listen more carefully, to read with greater understanding, and how to write more effectively, all while acquiring a better understanding of the language, literature, history, philosophy and religion of the wider world. "We live in a rich and diverse world. The more we know about the people in it, what they think about it, and why they think so, the better we’ll do…no matter what we choose to do for a living.”
Faculty
Chaudlier Shepherd '18
Upper Marlboro, MD
Chaudlier came to Concord University on full scholarship leaving him with no student debt. During his time at Concord he was a student athlete playing football for the Mountain Lions. Successful both on the field and in the classroom, he pursued a degree in Business Administration. He believed it would be a great degree to obtain due to the diverse nature allowing him to go into just about any field of work. Chaudlier loved the city of Athens, WV and the campus community of Concord. After graduation Chaudlier believed he was well prepared for life after graduation, he has had experiences at Concord that has shaped his life and learned life lessons that he will carry with him for the rest of his life. It Starts With You.
“I've had a lot of experiences here that have shaped my life and life lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Alumni
Shawn Hatcher
Princeton, W.Va.
Shawn is a second generation Mountain Lion, but that is only one detail that finalized his decision to choose CU after graduating from Pikeview High School in 2017. The university also had the program of study he wanted, and its location meant Shawn could commute to save money. He is a Business Administration major with concentrations in management and finance. When Shawn isn’t in class, you’ll find him working in the business office as a work-study in the Accounts Payable office. Shawn says the real life experiences that professors share and the work experience he has received at Concord has prepared him for the kind of job he wants when he graduates, one similar to the job he currently does at CU. Education aside, Shawn says his favorite part about Concord is the people. “It felt like home from the time I stepped on the campus in 2017,” Shawn says. “Most of everyone is relaxed and will help out if you are in need.”
Student