MPCC Student Susan Shepard Selected as Commencement Speaker

North Platte, Neb. — Mid-Plains Community College student Susan Shepard has been selected as a commencement speaker, recognizing her academic journey, artistic achievement and inspiring return to higher education.

Shepard, a sophomore pursuing an Associate of Fine Arts in music with an emphasis in vocal performance, began her college career in fall 2024 after more than a decade away from formal education.

“I thought that part of my life was over,” she said. “But it wasn’t, it just came later.”

Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Shepard spent years moving across the country as part of her husband’s military career. Now settled in North Platte since 2021, she discovered MPCC offered the opportunity she had long been waiting for.

“The programs I wanted just weren’t available where we lived before,” she said. “When we moved here and I found the music program, I knew immediately, this is what I’m doing.”

At MPCC Shepard has expanded her musical abilities beyond her classical training, exploring jazz, pop and Broadway styles while continuing her study of vocal performance. She credits the college’s supportive environment and dedicated faculty for her growth.

“The instructors here truly care,” she said. “They want you to succeed, and they do everything they can to help you. You just have to show up and put in the work.”

In addition to her studies, Shepard is a private music instructor, teaching both piano and voice lessons. She is also a published author of three fantasy novels, balancing her creative pursuits with family life as a mother of four.

One of the most significant challenges she faced in returning to school was rebuilding her confidence as a performer.

“The first time I performed again, I was terrified,” she said. “But each performance helped me find that confidence again helped me realize I can still do this.”

Looking ahead, Shepard plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music therapy, combining her passion for music with a desire to help others.

As a commencement speaker, she hopes to encourage others, especially nontraditional students, to pursue their goals no matter how long the path may take.

“Mid-Plains is a place where you can start, or restart your journey,” she said. “It’s a great stepping stone to whatever comes next.”