Dr. Joan Pendergast
Chair, Department of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator
When Dr. Pendergast was finishing her Ph.D. in Social Work Education at the University of South Carolina, she dreamed of teaching at a school like Concord. “I have wanted to live in the mountains for as long as I can remember,” she says. In 2007, she accepted a tenure-track position at CU and has found a home here. “The campus community is welcoming and accepting,” she says. Before completing her doctoral degree, Dr. Pendergast was a practicing social worker, valuable experience she shares with her students. “When I speak with students about social work, I explain that this is the best job and worst job you can have,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to see how people can change their lives, and it can be discouraging when these changes do not come.” Dr. Pendergast is dedicated to preparing her students for the realities they’ll face after graduation, and says she enjoys “being a small part of their journey.”
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
Chelsea Goins '19
Development Coordinator
As a member of the advancement staff, Chelsea fosters relationships with university donors and researches new donor opportunities to support the Concord University Foundation. “Our alumni and donors are so important to the university,” Chelsea says. “They provide funding for scholarships and campus projects that keep Concord the special place it is.” Chelsea also helps coordinate special events like Alumni After Hours, Foundation dinners, and Homecoming festivities. She says these events “allow Concord alumni, donors, students, and community members to gather and stay connected to the university and each other.” A graduate of Concord herself, Chelsea understands the importance of staying connected to CU and supporting all the university does for its students. “Concord has become a second home to me. I truly love this place.”
Staff