Karen Shepard: Moving through the Ranks

VALDOSTA -- After 30 years with Valdosta State University, Associate Registrar Karen Shepard said she has done “a little bit of everything” in the registrar’s office.

“I started as a clerk, filing and assisting with various tasks when needed,” Shepard said. “Back when I started, we used much more paper and did less work on the computer, so most of my filing was done manually.”

Shepard has received several promotions since then. She advanced to doing graduation audits, and then to assistant registrar, functioning as office manager of the registrar’s office. She also received a bachelor’s degree in general studies in 1993.

“I served as acting registrar from 1996 to 1997, before accepting a position as associate registrar.”

As associate registrar, Shepard oversees Banner activities, which includes managing tables that support student records, registration, reporting and other office functions. She also offers support to the registrar, Stanley Jones.

Shepard was recently recognized for her exemplary work and dedication to the university when she received the 2011 Excellence in Service for Classified Staff award at this year’s convocation.

“I was very honored because I felt like my peers saw merit in me and what I do at this university. It’s always nice to be recognized.”

Shepard sees this award as a stepping-stone toward future accomplishments in her career.

“It has been a great experience. I’m not a person who objects to change so I’ve been comfortable with the growth and I anticipate more growth in the future.”