Invited to give the Keynote Address on February 14, 2019 for the Inauguration of the New President of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The audience was over 2000 people consisting of administrators, faculty, students, dignitaries, and people from across Nigeria.

Invited to give a Special Lecture in Lagos, Nigeria on February 11, 2019 for the Induction Ceremony of the New President of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology University (LAUTECH). The Lecture consisted of 50 of the University's administrators and research faculty.

The Audiobook was produced to reach a wider audience based on readers continuing to share how the book inspires and motivates. Regions desiring this resource will no longer be faced with expensive shipping cost to get physical copies of the book. The audiobook format can now be downloaded on Apple and Android devices (See details in Book Store).

• Howard University (HU) • Saint Augustine's University (SAU) [Building Collaborations] • Fayetteville State University (FSU) • More FSU Research • Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) • North Carolina A&T State University (NCATSU)

During the annual meeting of The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in New Orleans, Louisiana, the SACSCOC Board of Trustees voted to remove Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) from probationary status, for the Raleigh, N.C. Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Click here to read the full Press Release.

Where were you 12 years ago? I will never forget where I was in May 2006. I was at home on my computer when my wife and I received word that after being involved in a serious car accident our baby daughter was sitting on the side of the road in Gaffney, South Carolina. Click here, read the article, and remember that with faith in God and in yourself, coupled with prayer, hard work and perseverance you will never be left on the side of the road. Develop an attitude of truly be

When news broke of the closing of Saint Paul's College, an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Lawrenceville, Virginia, it disturbed me. As a long-time advocate for the inclusion of HBCUs in federally funded programs, to me this action was equivalent to closing a significant chapter of Black History in America. Digging deeper into the matter revealed that the Saint Paul's property has been sold. Shocked at this finding and researching further uncovered

Sometimes it can be refreshing to "Pause, Reflect, and Assess:" But after being rejuvenated and inspired by past events, it's important to continue the effort to make a positive impact on your "Circle of Relationships." Click here to reflect on eight (8) years of innovative progress.

The property where I grew up is in a town called Garner, North Carolina. Garner sits three miles southeast of Raleigh, which is North Carolina's state capital. The property was first owned by my Grandfather. Upon the death of my Grandfather Willie Whitaker, the property went to his wife, my Grandmother Sallie Whitaker, for whom the Subdivision is named. The Sallie Whitaker Subdivision consists of seven lots that were to be transferred to each of my grandparents seven children

A Veterans Day message

Viewing the video showing the inhumane actions of the University of Maryland (UMD) Medical Center of using physical force to dump a Black woman out into the freezing cold streets of Baltimore was unbelievable (Read article). Coupling the UMD Medical Center's treatment of the Black woman to the racist venom that spewed out in the gathering in White House, with no reaction coming from those present, are both demonstrations of the deep-rooted, universal hatred of Black people wh

Below is information sent to me by a colleague who saw it posted on the Facebook Page of Udo Gollub.  Udo's message is being added here to expand and expose this "Something to Think About Message." From the Facebook Page of Udo Gollub at Messe Berlin. April 22 · Berlin, Germany I just went to the Singularity University summit and here are the key learnings. In 1998, Kodak had 170,000 employees and sold 85% of all photo paper worldwide.  Within just a few years, their business

Guest Speaker for the Men's Day Service held on June 25, 2017 at First Baptist Church (FBC) in Raleigh, NC.

In every corner of the globe today people are positioned with their heads bent downward looking at their mobile devices. At dinner tables, in restaurants, waiting at crosswalks, as well as in crosswalks, walking down the street, in airports, in non-moving cars and yes, sometimes in cars that are moving, people of all ages are looking downward. It's possible that in the future medical professionals might add heads bent down for extended periods to the list of reasons for neck

A suggestion for times like these that try men soul: "Know what's 'Essential and keep a steady gaze in that direction and do not be sidetracked by 'non-essential' sideshows that are designed to distract." In my view, here is a sideshow whose sole purpose is to increase the noise level among the targeted group in order to divert their attention from what's important: click here. One possible antidote against such nonsense is to keep silent by not engaging in lengthy discourse 

Part 1 on this subject was posted Nov. 12, 2016: click here and read the post.  Part 2 continues to reveal that this cry will not be fulfilled because of the far-reaching impact of innovation and technological advances: click here.

Nine historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established 1867. This was four years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. This means that 2017 represents the Sesquicentennial (150 years) for these nine institutions who along with about 90 more have been responsible for educating many of America's black students. The March 5, 2017 article published in the Opinions Section of the Washington Post by Shirley Cars

I am continually amazed and blessed by the steady support for and feedback ​on​ "Fulfilling My Destiny, Step by Step."  When I set out to write this book, I only wanted to record my personal history for posterity. It has surpassed my humble expectations and gone on to be an inspiration to many.  After being published in October 2013, the following message was recently received in January 2017:​ ​ "Dr. Shepard, I am still inspired by your "Fulfilling My Destiny." I came downst

The presidential campaign was froth with political talk about job creation with virtually no discussion on specifics. President Obama understands that manufacturing is an integral part of a nation's economic base. He also knows that manufacturing businesses which left the USA and went overseas under trade agreements that were put in place before he assumed the presidency, will most likely NOT return to America. He and his administration also knows that should any of the manuf

TEDx (technology, entertainment, and design) events bring together bright minds to give talks that are idea-focused, and on a wide range of subjects to foster learning, inspiration and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter. TEDxHowardUniversity 2016 held in the Armour J. Blackburn Center on the campus of Howard University drew a sizable audience, garnering great visibility for Howard University’s research-based graduate programs. The theme of the event was "Recovery,