St. Davids: Eastern University is proud to announce the appointment of E. Shepard Farrar, MBA ’95 to its Board of Trustees. Farrar is a seasoned leader in the banking and investment space and a passionate advocate for giving back through community service.
A graduate of Eastern’s MBA in Economic Development program, Ms. Farrar earned her degree in 1995 while working as Vice President at CoreStates (now Wells Fargo) in Philadelphia. She also holds a BA in Political Science from Princeton University.
From 2007 through 2024, Ms. Farrar served as Head of Investments for the retirement plans of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and previously was Head of U.S. Equity of NRRIT and Head of U.S. and Private Equity at the UMWA H&R Funds. She served on Eastern’s Board of Trustees in the mid-2000s, prior to joining the IDB. Nearly two decades later, Farrar returns with expanded perspective, eager to contribute her energy and skills to serve her alma mater during its Centennial year and beyond.
Throughout her career, Ms. Farrar has combined her financial acumen with a deep commitment to service. She has spent over 30 years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and The Fuller Center for Housing, serves on the boards of sustainable housing non-profit Reall, Ltd. and environmental organization NAISMA, as well as the National Association of Corporate Directors’ Capitol Area chapter. She coaches women with ReachHIRE, and is actively involved in philanthropy as Vice President of the Memton Fund, which provides grants to a wide range of charities, including an annual Society of French Historical Studies scholarship created in honor of her parents.
“Eastern’s mission, rooted in faith, reason, and justice, resonates with God’s call on my life, to serve in economic development, and has shaped my career, my approach to leadership and service,” Farrar shares. “I’m honored to return to Eastern’s Board, to support the University as it enters its second century of transformation and impact, and to share its mission and principles in corporate and non-profit boardrooms.”
Dr. Ronald Matthews, President of Eastern University, echoes that excitement: “We are thrilled to welcome Shepard Farrar back to the Board. Her international expertise, deep sense of calling, and unwavering belief in Eastern’s vision will be a guiding force in the years ahead.”
With her remarkable blend of professional excellence and faith-based passion for community service, Farrar is poised to play a key role in shaping Eastern’s flourishing future.
About Eastern University
Eastern University is a Christian university enrolling approximately 8,700 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs available online. Eastern’s core values of faith, reason, and justice are woven into all of its educational programs. For more information visit eastern.edu or contact Ally Rosario, Director of Marketing & Communications: ally.rosario@eastern.edu.