Welcome to Concord University
The mission of Concord University is to improve the lives of our students and communities, through innovative teaching and learning, intellectual and creative activities, and community service and civic engagement.
Featured Stories
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.”
Dr. Joan Pendergast
Chair, Department of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator
Zoey Shamblin
Sociology Major with Criminology Emphasis
Dr. Tracy Luff
Professor of Sociology & Director of Honors Program
Josi Ervin
Health Science Major
MSW Program Director and Associate Professor
“Students are the best part of my job and I hope that I am a positive part of their learning experience at the Campus Beautiful.” Dr. Inghram says working for the Social Work department at Concord allows him to impart skills and knowledge in order to better serve our global community while addressing specific needs and issues. He believes our students have the opportunity to not only build the knowledge base they need, but to engage in “doing” in order to put their newly formed knowledge into practice. Dr. Inghram and the Social Work faculty are continuously researching and serving on boards and committees to make sure the program at CU prepares our students to take on the many issues challenging our state and local communities.
