MARTINSBURG — Leaders in the Eastern Panhandle and the state of West Virginia met Tuesday morning to dedicate the Shepherd University Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications, which first opened its doors in July of this year through a $1 million donation by the Stubblefields.
The institute aims to provide the Eastern Panhandle a place of learning that offers an advanced platform for the study of political communications amid a national political culture of divided ideology and partisan divisiveness.
“It is to study and promote our intelligent, civil and authentic politic discourse and play an essential role in our nation’s ability to better meet challenges and solve problems,” David Welch, a Martinsburg resident, political media expert, local radio talk show host and the newly named director of the institute, said. “And to demonstrate how opposite viewpoints can be respected and legitimized in ways that avoid negative labeling and alienation. It was also founded to bring proud to an already proud university, and in so doing, we join such great campuses initiatives as the Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, CATF, a world class debate team and so many other high-valued programs. It is my hope that we live up to the standards and traditions you have all set for us before we came along.”
Source: The Journal
