Shepherd Program
Shepherd Program
The Shepherd Program for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability incorporates a spirit of engagement and service into students’ extra-curricular and academic lives. Shepherd students learn how to understand and address the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in ways that respect the dignity of every person, through community engagement and academic offerings, including a minor and internship opportunities.
Students weave poverty-related courses across disciplines (economics, education, law, philosophy, politics, sociology, and more) with hands-on service and internship experiences to supplement their major areas of study. Those pursuing a minor in poverty studies undertake capstone research projects that connect their concerns about poverty and inequality with their future civic and professional lives.
For over 25 years, The Shepherd Program has supported student leadership and service opportunities in the local Rockbridge area and beyond. Understanding the causes and consequences of poverty requires direct collaboration with community partners.
Shepherd in the News
Students and graduates of the Shepherd Program are involved all over campus and all over the world.
Dominique Lamb ’08 to Deliver Lecture on Housing Equity
The Nov. 13 lecture on W&L’s campus is free and open to the public.
Beckley worked at Washington and Lee University for 40 years and served as the founding director of the Shepherd Program for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability.
Campus Kitchen at W&L Hosts Annual Turkeypalooza
The community is encouraged to participate and donate to support Campus Kitchen’s seasonal programming, which kicks off Nov. 9.
Shepherd’s Summer Interns Make an Impact Around the World
The Shepherd Program offers undergraduates three distinct pathways to complete its eight-week, full-time summer internship, each designed to deepen students’ understanding of poverty.
Bringing Humanity Into The Conversation
Kate LeMasters ’15 cultivated a career of addressing public health inequalities with marginalized societies.
Patrick Fleming ’04 is the Next Speaker in Campus Kitchen’s Just Food Series
Fleming’s Nov. 12 lecture is titled “Farming as a Liberal Art: Growing Food with Freedom and Intention.”
The associate director of W&L’s Shepherd Program will serve a two-year term leading the consortium’s governing board and council beginning in September 2026.
Campus Kitchen at Washington and Lee Receives Donation from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation
The donation will support the Campus Kitchen Backpack Program.
Marcos Perez Cited for his Book ‘¿Qué tienen los piqueteros en la cabeza?’
The associate professor of sociology received an honorable mention citation for the Premio Iberoamericano Book Award.
Marisa Charley and the W&L Bonner Program Featured in Article Posted on Higher Ed Jobs
The story focuses on the Bonner Program’s collaborative work with the Street Medicine Institute.
Akinkugbe’s goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist has been reinforced by her research lab work.
Campus Kitchen Continues Just Food Series with Local Partners
The March 20 webinar will focus on the challenges in addressing childhood obesity.