White Lodging now operates The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson, S.C., near Clemson University. The Shepherd Hotel is purpose-built to employ individuals with intellectual disabilities, with close to 30 percent of its staff participating in the ClemsonLIFE program, which prepares students and graduates with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living.
“White Lodging is well respected and a nationally significant hospitality company,” said Rich Davies, founder and managing partner of Shepherd Hotels. “It is a blessing to engage with their incredible and caring team to manage the Shepherd Hotel in Clemson. We are excited about the future opportunities to positively impact the lives of others through our engagement with White Lodging.”
“This is more than a management agreement; it’s a commitment to a brand, a mission, and an expanded vision of what hospitality can be,” said Conner White, vice chair and chief investment officer at White Lodging. “The brand’s values align beautifully with our belief in the power of hospitality to create opportunities and transform lives.”
Open for three years, The Shepherd Hotel provides job training and hospitality careers through the ClemsonLIFE program. White Lodging plans to build on the existing team’s experience to enhance guest services, associate development, systems, and operations while supporting expansion of the brand.
“The existing Shepherd Hotel team is exceptional, and we want to build on the team’s experience to further elevate guest experience, associate development, systems and operations while playing a role in expanding the brand,” said White. “It’s the best of both worlds; we get to do something good—and do it well.”
The Shepherd Hotel has gained national attention, appearing on CBS’s Eye on America, ESPN and the Kelly Clarkson Show. One long-time associate was also featured on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. The property’s approach has drawn interest from other university towns with programs similar to ClemsonLIFE.
“Together with Shepherd Hotels and through their collaboration with ClemsonLIFE, we look forward to supporting The Shepherd Hotel’s mission and growth to other campuses across the country,” said White.
White Lodging has more than 40 years of experience in hospitality development and training, including partnerships with Purdue University and programs such as Flight School and School of Revenue. Associates have access to a Career Journey Platform, Pathfinder tool, and learning resources including LinkedIn Learning.
The Shepherd Hotel offers accommodations, two food-and-beverage concepts—Delish Sisters and The Thomas Bar—and a rotating art collection featuring local and international artists, including abstract painter Charlie French. The seventh-floor rooftop provides event space with views of Death Valley Stadium and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and design elements throughout the hotel include references to the local community and faith-based symbols.
