On July 1, 2008, Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons became the institution’s 16th president, its first-ever female president and the youngest sitting president of a Virginia university. More than that, President Fitzsimmons is the embodiment of imaginative thinking and inspiring leadership. The needs of current and future students guide her, and an outstanding group of faculty and staff work collaboratively to support the university’s mission. “What inspires me,” Dr. Fitzsimmons said, “is the process of discovery and seeing the light bulb go on in a student’s eyes.”

Dr. Fitzsimmons came to Shenandoah University in 2001 to serve as arts & sciences dean and she quickly proved herself to be a compassionate teacher and bold leader. She became vice president for academic affairs in 2002; senior vice president & vice president for academic affairs in 2005; she was elected to be Shenandoah’s 16th president in 2007; and she moved into the president’s office in July 2008.

The name of the university, the Shenandoah Valley where it is situated and the Shenandoah River that flows through the valley, comes from the Indian legend of Zynodoa, an Indian brave known for his strength, courage and his appreciation of beauty. It could be argued the 133-year-old institution also has strength, courage and appreciation of beauty. Shenandoah University endured difficult times only to emerge as a leader in many academic areas including health care, business, pharmacy and the humanities. Its commitment to nurturing creativity and the human spirit through the performing arts is known around the world.

Under President James A. Davis’ leadership over the past 26 years, Shenandoah developed into a comprehensive university and a doctoral-level institution. Shenandoah University has received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as a Level VI accredited institution, which recognizes that the university offers four or more doctoral degree programs. With its broad vision and highly qualified faculty, the university maintains a cutting-edge curriculum that reflects the constantly changing demands of the market and prepares students for the technological and global environment of the 21st century.

Today, Shenandoah University offers almost 90 programs of study at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels in the College of Arts & Sciences, the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business, Shenandoah Conservatory, the School of Education & Human Development, the School of Health Professions (athletic training, nursing and respiratory care, occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician assistant studies) and the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy. Shenandoah University is one of two private doctoral degree-granting institutions in Virginia and the most growth oriented among its private peer institutions in the Commonwealth.

The university now has more than 3,300 students representing most of the United States and almost 40 countries. Shenandoah University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, though its diverse student body represents all faiths, and ecumenical chapel services celebrate that diversity.

“Global changes will likely have a profound effect on higher education in the coming decades. I believe universities will need to be increasingly mindful of the benefits and challenges these changes will bring to our campuses – not only in terms of technology but also in the ways faculty research, curricular offerings, student expectations and fundraising will be altered,” Fitzsimmons said.

“I am firmly committed to collaborative processes of decision-making in which the appropriate individuals and groups are involved. I have great respect for both professional and liberal learning, and a particular interest in the juncture of the two.”

She continued, “I look forward to working with the administration and faculty to identify innovative ways of collaborating across the schools, to deepen our commitment to being a student-centered and learning-centered university, and to find new ways to serve the community. Shenandoah University has an outstanding faculty, a diverse curriculum and motivated, talented students. I look forward to serving the university community.”

“I’m honored and delighted to have been chosen to lead Shenandoah University,” said President Fitzsimmons. “I look forward to consolidating and building upon the tremendous work of Jim Davis. I also look forward to working closely with our outstanding faculty, staff, trustees and students to take Shenandoah University to new heights.”