Concord Academics

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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

faculty
Dr. Joan Pendergast
Chair, Department of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator

When Dr. Pendergast was finishing her Ph.D. in Social Work Education at the University of South Carolina, she dreamed of teaching at a school like Concord. “I have wanted to live in the mountains for as long as I can remember,” she says. In 2007, she accepted a tenure-track position at CU and has found a home here. “The campus community is welcoming and accepting,” she says. Before completing her doctoral degree, Dr. Pendergast was a practicing social worker, valuable experience she shares with her students. “When I speak with students about social work, I explain that this is the best job and worst job you can have,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to see how people can change their lives, and it can be discouraging when these changes do not come.” Dr. Pendergast is dedicated to preparing her students for the realities they’ll face after graduation, and says she enjoys “being a small part of their journey.”

A photo of Joan Pendergast in front of the Concord University Bell Tower

Dr. Joan Pendergast

Chair, Department of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator

A photo of Scott Inghram in front of a gazebo on Concord University's campus

Dr. Scott Inghram '03

MSW Program Director and Associate Professor

A photo of Nicholas Gonzales in the alumni lounge

Nicholas Gonzales

Class of 2005

A photo of Taylor Brown inside of a classroom at Concord University

Taylor Brown

Psychology Major with Business Administration minor

A photo of Shannon Phipps wearing a Concord University Nursing Program hoodie
Shannon Phipps
Nursing Major with Psychology Minor

Shannon Phipps of Monroe County, WV began her studies at Concord in the spring of 2023, and she’s chosen nursing as a major and psychology as a minor. She transferred from Marshall University because she wanted to be closer to home. When asked about her most memorable experience in academia, Shannon remembers the first day she met the director and teachers in the nursing program at Concord. “Each professor introduced themselves to me and made me feel at home. I was also given an in-depth tour of the nursing building. All of these things made me feel very welcomed on campus and into the program.” Phipps has wanted to be a nurse ever since kindergarten, when the teacher asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Her future plans include pursuing a job as a flight nurse, and then attending Nurse Anesthetist School.

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