Dr. Cameron B. Wesson will become Shepherd University’s 17th president on July 1.
Wesson was one of five finalist candidates invited to visit the Shepherd campus earlier this month. During that visit, he participated in a series of meetings and an open forum where he introduced himself to the community and presented his vision for the University.
Wesson is currently serving as the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at La Salle University. He grew up in Talladega County, Alabama and attended Auburn University, earning two bachelor’s degrees — in architecture and anthropology. During his on-campus presentation, Wesson spoke of his undergraduate experience, noting that he didn’t discover his passion for anthropology until he was almost four years into the architecture program. He highlighted the life-changing influence of a faculty member in the anthropology department, Dr. John Cottier, who encouraged him to stick around for an extra year to earn the second degree as the inspiration that has guided his 30 year career in academia.
The search committee was chaired by Austin J. Slater, Jr., the vice-chair of the University’s Board of Governors. Slater noted Dr. Wesson’s enthusiastic engagement with students, faculty, staff, and the community during the interview process: “Dr. Wesson spent time listening to all of the stakeholders, and we are excited about what he brings to the University in terms of enthusiasm, innovation, and development.” Slater expressed confidence that Shepherd University “will continue its pivotal role as an academic, cultural, and community hub under his leadership.”
In a statement released with this morning’s announcement, Wesson said “I am honored to serve as the 17th president of Shepherd University. I look forward to working with the dedicated faculty and staff as we prepare our remarkable students with the skills and education they’ve come to expect from the University. I am excited to collaborate with the entire Shepherd community to continue enhancing our academic rigor and the student experience as we prepare for the future of higher education.”
Wesson spoke with The Observer earlier today and remarked that he sees one of his important roles will be to remind people of the value proposition of higher education and how it can transform lives. He says he expects to have a lot of conversations during his first 90 days — talking with students, alumni, the local community, along with leaders in the region and in Charleston to understand their concerns and perspectives.
Wesson plans to reside in Popodicon, on the Shepherd University campus. The Observer asked him if he had any thoughts about the next ram and he suggested “Braxton” (his middle name).
Published 2026 Feb 26 in the Observer Weekly. Updated 2026 Jun 25 (updated image).
By Steve Pearson