Misenheimer, N.C.— During National Volunteer Month in April, Pfeiffer University announced the naming of the Jerry L. Shelby Conference Room in honor of Shelby’s lifelong pursuit of knowledge and his commitment to using education to improve the lives of others. Located in Harris Science Hall, the conference room is used by guests and senior university leadership, as well as students seeking a meeting or group study space.

“Jerry Shelby models the values of servant leadership in so many ways,” said JoEllen Newsome, vice president for institutional advancement at Pfeiffer University. “We are proud to honor him in this way, and we hope that those who use this space will be inspired by his example.”

Shelby, a 1990 master of business administration graduate of Pfeiffer University, resides in Salisbury, North Carolina. He has also established the Jerry L. Shelby Business Endowed Scholarship, which supports Pfeiffer University business majors.

Shelby says his hope is that his contributions will encourage others to invest in the future of the University. “I believe in the value of education,” he said, “and in using one’s gifts to make the world a better place. I hope that the work I have done in my community and the investments I have made in my own education and in the education of others will inspire future generations to follow in my footsteps.”

Shelby embraces education as a lifelong process. He continues to take classes and complete certifications through his volunteer work and has earned three professional certifications in the field of supply chain management.

Early in his career, Shelby was deeply influenced by the Jaycee Creed, which states, “Service to Humanity is the Best Work of Life.” That influence led him to develop three personal philosophies that have guided his life and work:

• If you see a problem, you own it until it is fixed—even if you are not responsible for it;
• If you are going to do something, commit to doing it better than it has ever been done before; and
• Continue to improve yourself and the organizations with which you are involved.

These principles have led Shelby to serve as president or chairman of nearly every organization with which he has been involved. His leadership has been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally through numerous awards and honors.

A volunteer for more than 60 years, Shelby has been a passionate advocate for victims’ rights, judicial reform, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and underserved populations. He has dedicated countless hours to giving a voice to thousands of people in need.

Shelby is the author of Victims Have No Rights: A Victim’s (Pro Se) Experience with Insurance Companies and the Unjust Judicial System, and maintains a website at www.victimshavenorights.com.

“I hope my legacy will be that people see me volunteering and helping others and feel inspired to get involved themselves,” Shelby said. “I hope people will say, ‘If Jerry can do this, so can I.’” Pictured are Pfeiffer University President Dr. Scott Bullard and JoEllen Newsome, vice president for institutional advancement, as they present the conference room naming to Shelby. The space is intended to inspire continued learning, service, and support for Pfeiffer University.