Washington and Lee University
Director of the Shepherd Program for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability and the Fletcher Otey Thomas Professor of Religion
The Shepherd Program for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability began in 1997 with support from Nancy and Tom Shepherd '52. The program integrates academic study and learning through service and reflection, and is designed to supplement all majors, offering a sustained combination of academic studies and practical experience focusing on fostering human development to alleviate poverty. Graduates of this program are not only sensitive to the serious problem of poverty but also know what questions to ask so that their decisions as professionals and engaged citizens will impact favorably on impoverished communities and persons.
The academic study of poverty from an interdisciplinary perspective enables students to pursue professional careers with a critical social consciousness, prepares students for objective analysis of ethics and poverty, and inspires a commitment to addressing human capabilities in the community. It endeavors to inform our students about poverty and what can be done to foster human capabilities for communities and individuals who have been left behind in domestic and international development. It also promotes a structure for student leadership and volunteer service in the local Rockbridge community and in summer internships across the nation as a part of Washington and Lee's effort to accentuate student honor, leadership and learning.
