Concord Academics
Concord University is divided into two colleges: The College of Professional and Liberal Studies and The College of Science, Mathematics, and Health. Both are full of rigorous academic programs, friendly and knowledgeable faculty members, and small class sizes.
Featured Stories
Assistant Professor/Training Manager
Dr. Samantha Byrd began at Concord as an adjunct professor in the Masters of Social Work program in 2020, and was advanced to a full-time position in 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Concord in 2016, and her Masters of Social Work degree in 2018, also from Concord. She went on to the University of Kentucky to earn her Doctor of Social Work degree in 2023. Dr. Byrd has practice experience in child and adolescent mental health, grant management, and foster parent training. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) interventions. In addition to teaching, Samantha volunteers in the counseling center at Concord, and provides community service in various ways. She founded and manages a foster closet and foster parent support group, and serves on the board of directors for Child Protect of Mercer County. She says of her most memorable experience at CU, “Since starting in academia, I have had the pleasure of working in different capacities with some of the professors and mentors I had during my time as a student at CU. It is incredible to see how everyone comes together behind the scenes to support students in various ways.”
Dr. Samantha Byrd, DSW, MSW, LGSW, '16 '18
Assistant Professor/Training Manager
Dr. Joan Pendergast
Chair, Department of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator
Chaudlier Shepherd '18
Upper Marlboro, MD
Dr. Michael Bean
Assistant Professor of Education
Marlinton, WV
Mikayla began her journey at Concord as an undecided major. After attending a conference with her mother, who is a business educator, she left inspired and acknowledged her desire to educate the younger generations about business. This ultimately began Mikayla’s journey in pursuing a degree in Education. Whether she was in the classroom or on the sidelines cheering on the Mountain Lions, she knew Concord was right for her. Mikayla earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and is now employed by Roanoke City Schools in Virginia as a Business Teacher. It Starts With You. “From the moment I stepped foot on Concords campus I knew it was the right fit for me.”
