Shepherds College 

In 2008, Shepherds College was founded in Union Grove. The Christian post-secondary school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities only had six students. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, Shepherds College has grown dramatically. It has nearly 90 students, provides a comprehensive curriculum, offers accessible digital classes with Shepherds College Online, and is even exploring new locations.  

“At 15 years, it’s amazing to look back at the hundreds of lives we’ve impacted,” says Dr. Tracy Terrill, the school’s president. 

Students attend three years of classes on Shepherds College’s campus, studying their chosen occupational field: culinary arts, horticulture or technology. On top of those classes, students also receive social and life skills training to help them achieve what Terrill calls “Appropriate Independence™,” a level of self-sufficiency aligned with an individual’s strengths and guided by Christian values. Over 80% of Shepherds College graduates are employed, and many are able to live with much greater independence after completing the program.    

“Our Christian faith is a guiding point for what we do,” Terrill says. “We believe in the dignity and potential of every one of our students. We set out to have an impact on every facet of their lives: social, emotional, occupational and spiritual. It’s more than just an educational experience – it’s a life-changing experience.”