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Shenandoah University is a private, nationally recognized applied liberal arts institution located in Winchester, Virginia. Shenandoah University was established in 1875 as the Shenandoah High School in Dayton, Virginia, originally. By 1876 the school was chartered as the Shenandoah Seminary and less than ten years later in 1884 was purchased from its original owners by the Virginia Conference of the United Brethren Church which re-chartered the seminary as the Shenandoah Institute. The United Brethren of Christ Church eventually became the United Methodist Church, with which the University is currently affiliated. In 1924 Shenandoah Institute’s junior college curriculum became certified and the school was renamed Shenandoah College. Eventually, after many years of growth and changed the college achieved university status and in 1991 adopted its current name, Shenandoah University.
Academic Programs
Shenandoah University’s mission is to educate students to be “critical, reflective thinkers; lifelong learners; and ethical, compassionate citizens who are committed to making responsible contributions within a community, a nation and the world.” The Core Values which guide Shenandoah University include: “Development of an enduring passion for learning; Commitment to self-reflection and personal development; Respect for diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives; Celebration of creative performance, expression, teaching, and discovery; Cultivation of leadership to advance positive change and growth; and Dedication to citizenship, professional services, and global outreach.” Shenandoah University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1973.Shenandoah University offers more than 90 academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels through the College of Arts & Sciences; School of Business; School of Nursing; Shenandoah Conservatory; School of Pharmacy; School of Health Professions; and the School of Education & Human Development. Shenandoah University utilizes the innovative iMLearning program, which provides students with state-of-the-art computing technology in order that students graduate as “confident and capable users of technology”. As part of the iMLearning program, all students receive a Macbook Pro Retina and an iPad Pro 9.7 with an Apple Pencil.
Student Life
Shenandoah University has a total enrollment figure of nearly 4,000 including over 2,000 undergraduate students. More than 900 students choose to live on-campus in one of the University’s several residence halls. Each of the halls features its own unique characteristics and traditions and halls are divided by class rank; all first year students live in a residential community with other first year students while upper class students live in their own community.Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, students can enjoy four-season’s worth of recreational opportunities including exploring rivers, caves, rural vistas, hiking and biking trails. Shenandoah University’s campus is also within close proximity to both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore Maryland, providing students with plenty of opportunity for academic and career advancement, recreation, and cultural events. More than 80 student-led clubs and campus life organizations are recognized by Shenandoah University. Students also have opportunity to volunteer in local community service initiatives or to travel to serve on special international mission and service programs. An NCAA Division III school, Shenandoah University sponsors more than 20 men’s and women’s athletic teams.