Strides to Excellence - Why Not the Best"

[Professor]

Shaw University President To Retire

(Raleigh, NC) -- May 11, 2002 -- Board of Trustees Chairman Attorney Willie E. Gary announced today the retirement of Shaw University's 13th President, Dr. Talbert O. Shaw, effective December 31st. The announcement was made at the close of the University's Commencement Ceremony on Saturday in the Raleigh Conference and Convention Center.

President Shaw, who is recovering from back surgery, ignored the advise of his doctors and returned to work this week to take part in the University's commencement ceremony. That unselfish spirit is the same spirit with which he has led the University for the past decade and a half.

Commenting on his impending retirement, President Shaw said, "After 15 years as President, I think the time is right for me to retire - - a time which includes both academic and financial health for the University. I was very delighted that I was able to lead the University at a time when it was seriously challenged to a period of real renaissance. The average tenure of a President is about 4 years, so I will have served 4 tenures by the end of the year. It is always good to leave when the organization is experiencing what is called a "flood tide." I will miss the Shaw University and the Raleigh community because I have received nothing but strong support from the faculty, staff, students, and the community. Although I'll be geographically distant - I will always be intellectually and emotionally tied to the University. These past 15 years have been some of the best years of my life."

His Legacy

Dr. Shaw arrived at Shaw University in 1987 during a critical time when the school was on the verge of closing its doors, and he has led the university on a steady uphill climb - introducing innovations which have solidified Shaw's position among the nation's best private colleges and universities. His innovative leadership is reflective in the growth of the University's student population, academic programs, physical facilities, and financial base.

During Dr. Shaw's tenure, the student enrollment has increased from 1,400 to an average of 2,500. His commitment to expansion and innovation in academic programs was made evident in 1993, when he made courses in ethics and values central to the general education of all its students. The program emphasized the University's commitment to high personal standards and citizenship in its graduates. Dr. Shaw recognizes that in order to reverse the moral drift in America, responsible leadership must be in place.


Academics

Since President Shaw arrival in 1987, the University has strengthened its academic standing. The University has 13 departments and offers 23 undergraduate majors leading to the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. Dr. Shaw's leadership has also seen the implementation of three master's degree programs. The University has an adult learning program, The Center for Alternative Programs of Education (CAPE) which allows students in nine cities across North Carolina the opportunity to pursue an academic degree through flexible course scheduling, independent study, and credit for prior learning experiences. Shaw University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate, bachelor's degree and three master's degree programs. Two of its academic programs also have national accreditation. The kinesiotherapy program is accredited by the American Kinesiotherapy Association and the teacher education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.


New Facility and Renovations

For President Shaw, enhancing the University's physical facilities has been an integral part of his determination to create a physical environment conducive to learning and living. Therefore, during his presidency several facilities have been renovated and/or constructed. Recent projects include the following:

In 2000, Shaw University reopened historic Leonard Hall. The facility was built in 1881 and housed the first four-year medical school in the nation. The school was built with a commitment to train African-Americans for the medical field. Between 1886 and 1914, 432 students graduated. The medical school program at Shaw University was active for more than 30 years and the four year program was discontinued in 1914. Leonard Hall was listed in the national registry in 1990 as a contributing building in the East Raleigh, South Park District. In 1994, Leonard Hall was designated by the State of North Carolina as a historic building. After being closed for many years, restoration on the building was completed in October 2000. The renovation of Leonard Hall was made possible, in part, by generous financial support from the U.S. Department of Interior/National Park Service and Philip Morris Companies Inc. through The College Fund/UNCF's Campaign 2000.

The Roberts Science Hall was completely renovated to a state-of-the-art laboratory facility in 1997. More than $2,000,000 has been invested to purchase computers and install a campus network. Instructional facilities include lecture/laboratory classrooms designated for biology, chemistry, environmental science, and physics; research and preparatory laboratories; general purpose and instructional computer laboratories; and instructional technology and audio-visual preparation rooms designed for in-house programming through audio-videotape production, multimedia presentation, web-based technology, and other interactive learning methods.

In 1996, Shaw University held a dedication ceremony for The Talbert O. Shaw Living Learning Center on the northeast campus. The facility, which was named in honor of Dr. Shaw, consists of a five-story Teacher Education Complex that consists of a learning center, lecture halls, offices, teleconferencing capabilities, and faculty and student lounges. The completion of the facility marks the first major building initiative to occur at Shaw University in ten years and the largest single construction project in the University's history.

Community Involvement

President Shaw has also immersed himself in diverse community organizations as an officer and/or member. He has served on the following boards of directors: The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Raleigh Rotary Club, The Executive Club of Raleigh, The United Way of Wake County, The United Arts Council, Wake Educational Partnership, Raleigh Performing Arts, Downtown Development Committee, Cooperating Raleigh Colleges, CIAA Board of Presidents, First Citizens Bank, United Negro College Fund, and National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO).

Intercollegiate Athletics
Shaw University is affiliated with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. Shaw University offers a variety of collegiate sports and boasts of being 2002 CIAA Basketball and Baseball Champions, the 2002 NCAA South Regional Champions in Basketball, 1995 CIAA Champions in women's volleyball and 1994 CIAA champions in women's softball and men's baseball, and finalists in tennis. The athletic department consists of 10 athletic programs.
Men: Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, Track/Indoor-Outdoor, Cross Country
Women: Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Track/Indoor-Outdoor, Cross Country

Recognitions

His achievements have been recognized by his inclusion in publications such as The Chronicle of Higher Education, Black Excellence Magazine, and The News and Observer (Raleigh).
Dr. Shaw's publication's include theological and philosophical monographs in Message Magazine, Spectrum, The Journal of Religious Studies, and the Morgan State Magazine. He co-published

The Caribbean Basin Initiative Genuine or Deceptive in 1987, and has two other works, "Liberal Education and American Pragmatism," and "Managing the Mangers," in progress. In 2000, the

President's commitment to ethics was recognized by The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development, 2000 edition. The guidebook, which was recently released nationwide is designed for students, parents, and educators who believe that character matters. President Shaw was cited in the Presidential Leadership category for exercising leadership in character development. He has served for more than thirty-years in higher education, creating, advocating, and directing innovative programs to prepare future leaders to value commitment to individual and social responsibility.

Education

Dr. Shaw earned the A.B. degree from Andrews College in Michigan and the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Chicago. His years as a professor and administrator have been spent at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Bowie State College in Maryland, Federal City College in Washington, D.C., Princeton University in New Jersey, and Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD.

Reaction to President Shaw's Retirement


Dr. Edward Dolby - Class of 1966, Board of Trustees member

"The Renaissance man, who is Dr. Shaw, has completed his active work as a leader. He has resurrected the institution, started new programs and taken Shaw University to the next level. The President has charged the Board to move the University towards the 21st Century using his programs as our springboard to break new ground in education."

Dr. Thomas J. Boyd, Class of 1948
Shaw University Board of Trustees member and Shaw University Benefactor

"I have known of Shaw University for 58 years. In my estimation Dr. Shaw's leadership, including academics and the physical plant, is better than several presidents together. It is with deep regret that I will witness his departure. He is a great man and was the man of the hour for Shaw University."

Irene Lane - Class of 1951

"Without Dr. Shaw's leadership Shaw University would have been closed. He is just an outstanding leader - the best thing that has happened to Shaw University in the past 51 years... I am interested in a replacement for Dr. Shaw, I hope it is not a wolf in sheep's clothing."

Bessie Lewis - Class of 1951

"I am from Raleigh and I have known many presidents and this is the most outstanding one that I can recall. He has been very dear to us."

Trenard Hodge - Class of 2002 - Mass Communications major

"I think Dr. Shaw has done well here at Shaw. I have seen Dr. Shaw work daily to keep this University afloat. He has made some good changes and I hate to see him leave."

Ernetta Smith - rising junior - Biology Major

"When I heard the announcement I was shocked that he was leaving. He has been here since I've been here. He has done a tremendous job. His leadership among all has been outstanding."

Dr. Quincy Scott - Class of 1965 - Dean of the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel

" I think that another giant has stepped off stage. Side by side Tupper (Shaw's founder) and Shaw have introduced a legacy that will last far beyond their years."

Dr. Randal Vogt - Chair, Mass Communications Department

"We are just going to miss him and certainly I respect the work that he has done for the University."