It did not take long to hear and see why

Rose Mary Shepherd has been named one of Coles County’s most influential women.

From the moment the discussion started, it was evident that passion led this woman toward praiseworthy titles and recognitions.

From holding the regional superintendent position for years to being an author, Shepherd has shown her devotion not only to her gender, but also to the entire community of Charleston.

The drive to push women’s equality came early on for Shepherd. A former high school English teacher had always been pushy with Shepherd when it came to women’s rights and it forced Shepherd to ask herself many questions regarding her own sense of power. Her grandmother also fully believed that women could do anything they wanted to do as long as they believed it. Shepherd’s family values played a role throughout her entire admirable vocations.

After graduating from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a master’s degree, Shepherd moved to Charleston with her husband. Shortly after the relocation, she started teaching English and speech at Mattoon High School where she was actively involved with “initiating a number of gifted programs for the students.”

Shepherd also taught English for three and a half years at Eastern Illinois University. Despite all the work from teaching, Shepherd became president of the Mattoon Teachers’ Association, held offices in the American Association of University Women, was named to Outstanding Young Women of America and also served as a scout den mother.

It was also then that Shepherd joined the League of Women Voter’s. This became her priority and the group came close to reaching a membership of 100 women. That goal was never met; nonetheless, Shepherd used this as an opportunity to be a member of a professional organization that focused in advancing women and education.

Shepherd said she believes the League suffered membership due to the economy.

“More women were working and the effect of stronger groups pushing towards education had a lot to do with the lack of interest,” she said. “At that time there was less emphasis on the social aspect of women groups.”

In 1975, Shepherd’s determination in various groups led her to a position as the assistant to the regional superintendent, Bob Miller. The Regional Office became the first in Illinois to form regions, instead of county schools. By passing a law, the regions were divided up into 57 sections.

During this time, Shepherd learned a lifelong lesson. She was surprised when that lesson came in from another woman.

Miller had requested that Shepherd fill in for him at an important conference. Shepherd agreed and went to the meeting. To her surprise, the woman at the registering table denied her access simply because she was a woman.

“I think you have the wrong place, ma’am,” the woman told Shepherd.

Shepherd was forced to talk her way in and found herself surrounded by all men. It wasn’t until Shepherd knew the name of a Notre Dame football player the men could not remember, that the men began to accept her.

Shepherd has been actively involved with the Wesley United Methodist Church where she has taught Sunday school, sponsored youth fellowship groups and served on the Wesley Foundation Board and the Conference Board on the Status of Women among other things.

She says her career has been blessed with success and humility. In 1985 after her assistance position, Miller asked her to take over the regional superintendent position. She happily accepted and represented the region of six counties and other regional offices of education. Her reign as superintendent lasted for 16 years.

The first time she was asked to hold office, but the other two, Shepherd campaigned and the public elected her both times. She even defeated a man who would later run for governor of the state of Illinois.

“When I go to read in a school to celebrate Children’s Book Week or to speak at a DARE graduation, I know why I am in this position.”

That desire led her to write a children’s book in 1996. The book features a penguin that in not accepted for his differences. As the story progresses, the reader learns that the other penguins lack skills as well. This is a classic story that can inspire not only young girls, but boys as well.

Her various duties at the regional level can fill an entire page or more, but what also became significant in her life recently was being named the president of the Friends of Charleston Carnegie Public Library group last year. After an intense campaign, the community of Charleston voted to pass a $7 million increase in its taxes to add on to the library. Even Shepherd was a bit surprised that it passed.

Shepherd said she couldn’t believe it when her friend informed her that the small regions had said yes the night of the polls. And then the big ones came in next and she knew that it had been passed. She was elated, to say the least. Her dedication was at the heart of such a bill passing.

“I want the kids to have plenty of space when they go to the library. It’s all about the children.”

“I just wanted to do my job right,” said Shepherd as to what motivated her to press on with women’s rights and all that she has accomplished.

Shepherd does not limit her motto to just women and girls. She said to girls and boys alike, “Be honest with yourself. Be fair with yourself; don’t just put aside the fact that you think you can’t do something, like school, because you can do anything. It may take longer and work is involved but don’t pass it by.”

“One person can make the difference!”