SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Shepherd University is moving ahead on plans for a Martinsburg campus.

President Suzanne Shipley tells West Virginia Public Broadcasting officials are making decisions about space and hiring as faculty assemble the curriculum.

The Martinsburg Center for Graduate and Professional Studies may not open until next summer. Shipley says Shepherd needs to expand now because it's at capacity.

The Eastern Panhandle is growing, but Shipley says students seeking a four-year degree from a public school have few options.

Shepherd and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College have agreed to let students spend two years at Blue Ridge then continue a bachelor's degree at Shepherd.

Shepherd is working with Widmeyer Communications on the $2.5 million facility. It will cater to nontraditional students, offering eight-week classes during evenings and on weekends.