'Til It's Done: Shumate's Mission

In a back corner office located on the main floor of Concord University’s Marsh Library sits a petite, bespectacled woman nestled behind a great slab of a desk.  For over one year Connie Shumate has worked laboriously on behalf of the Mountain Lions, students and faculty alike, with the intention of making their library a more reliable resource and a friendlier, more appealing place.  However, despite the fact that Mrs. Shumate’s presence is still rather new at Concord’s library, her literary career predates October 2012, and its roots reach deeper into the ground than one might imagine. 

Having grown up in Wyoming County, West Virginia as the daughter of a public school educator mother and a career-driven father, Connie Shumate remembers her early years spent in her family’s precipitous home on “the tallest mountain in the county.” While her mother’s life was centered on books and learning, her self-made millionaire father, who worked as a contractor for Georgia Pacific, wasn’t entirely fond of the written word.  “Despite his financial success, my father barely knew how to read at all,” Shumate recalls.  “I have to say that watching him struggle with his ability to read, or lack thereof, was really my driving force.  I was determined to read.  I just had to.”   It is this passion for literacy that catapulted Connie into the field of library sciences, eventually landing her the long-term position as the director of Princeton Public Library.   

Although Mrs. Shumate’s twenty-two years at the public library in downtown Princeton was filled with many great achievements, she says her latter years were the “highlight of [her] career.”  In 2006, Mrs. Shumate began overseeing the renovation of the abandoned post office across the street from her desk, and ultimately restored it to a state beyond its former glory.  Since 2010, the renewed building has been the home of Princeton Public Library.  “I am very blessed that I was able to oversee the remodeling of the library’s new building.   I love creating, and that was the pinnacle of creative experiences.”  Upon witnessing the completion of her architectural effort, Mrs. Shumate retired from the library; however, her hiatus was short lived. 

Later in 2010, Connie, approached by Concord University president Dr. Gregory Aloia, was offered the director’s position at the Marsh Library.   “He contacted me three times, two of which were just job offers; however, on his third attempt in 2012, he mentioned the possible renovation of the library.  He had me; I was hooked.”  In fact, Mrs. Shumate says that planning the remodeling of the campus library is sheer bliss.  “I love taking something and repurposing it,” she exclaims.  “I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store.” 

While Mrs. Shumate’s attitude concerning the restoration of Concord’s library is the epitome of enthusiasm, she says that improving the cosmetic appearance of the facility is not the only thing that pushes her out her front door, into her car, and through the doors of the Marsh Library every morning.  “I come to work because I am a servant. Now, I know that sounds a bit cliché, but it’s the truth.”  Connie believes that by making herself available to the patrons of the Marsh Library she can make their lives easier, especially the lives of the students. “Meeting the students’ needs is my greatest joy, and working with them has been quite an experience, I must say.” 

Working at Concord has provided Connie Shumate with the chance to work with young people more so than her previous position at Princeton Public Library.  When asked how working with and serving the students at Concord has changed her view of the world, Mrs. Shumate replied, “If the young people of the world are anything like the young people at Concord, I believe we are in excellent hands.”  However, despite her complementary tone when discussing the university’s students, she did offer a bit of advice: “Don’t procrastinate!  Be mindful and begin assignments, especially research, in advance.  Not only will you feel less stressed as you work, but you will also provide us a better opportunity to help you obtain the resources you need.  I love our students, and only want them to succeed!” 

Heeding her own advice, Connie, with a great deal of passion and drive, continues to work diligently toward her vision for Concord University’s Marsh Library.  Although the “big picture” is still awhile away, Connie is determined to see her thoughts come to fruition.  “I’ll be here ‘til it’s done,” she says.