History of Jefferson County, West Virginia, in the
21st Century (2000 - Present)
In 2000, Shepherdstown drew the attention of the entire world as it hosted the latest round of the U.S. brokered Israeli-Syrian peace talks. The talks included Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shaara. President Bill Clinton served as mediator. Unfortunately, the talks did not produce any conclusive agreements, but they did represent one more step toward peace.
In 2000, the new Ram Stadium was opened in time for Shepherd's Fall football season. In 2002, an extensive addition to the Ruth Scarborough Library was completed that included the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies. In 2003, the college began its first free-standing graduate program, a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction. In 2004, Shepherd College was officially re-designated as Shepherd University. In 2005, the University added masters programs in Business Administration, Music, College Student Development and Administration, and Teaching. In 2007, Erma Ora Byrd Hall, housing the new Nursing Schools, was completed. Under its new President, Dr. Suzanne Shipley, the university has continued its exponential growth.to grow.
Back in 1991, the American Military University (AMU) was established by James Etter, a retired Marine Corps officer. Over the next ten years, AMU greatly expanded its program offering to encompass a broader array of online programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. In 2002, AMU was reorganized into American Public University System (APUS), and the American Public University (APU) was founded as the university broadened its focus to include working adults with an interest in public service. Today APUS, through AMU and APU, provides education to more than 100,000 students worldwide and offers more than 170 online degree and certificate programs. APUS is now the nation’s largest provider of higher education to the U.S. Armed Forces. APUS is based in Charles Town, West Virginia.
Back in 1997, Penn National Gaming bought Charles Town Races & Slots and began a $175 million upgrade of the venue. By 2004, Charles Town Races & Slots had added simulcast racing, numerous dining options, and 3,500 slot machines. In July 2010, Charles Town Races & Slots got a Hollywood Facelift - complete with renovations to the gaming floor that invokes the glitz and glamour of 1930s’ art deco Hollywood and the addition of table games.
Summit Point Motorsports Park opened back in 1970. Over time the track was host to a number of professional races sanctioned by IMSA and the SCCA Trans-Am Series through the late 1980s. In the early 1980s, the track was purchased by 1970 Formula Vee World Champion Bill Scott. In addition to races, the track and its environs became a training ground for various Federal agencies and other security organizations.Two additional road courses, "Jefferson" and "Shenandoah", were constructed on the property in 1996 and 2004, respectively. An additional course, the Washington Circuit, opened in Spring 2009.
* Still accumulating facts about major event in the 21st century.
If you would like to suggest new material or links to be added to this web site, please email groenpj@cs.com