Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy spent a year and a half serving as Shaw University’s interim President. On September 9, faculty, students, and school officials at Shaw University gathered on campus for the introduction of Dr. Irma McClaurin. Dr. McClaurin was elected to fulfill the position as Shaw’s 15th school President, and second female President, with a great void to fill following Yancy’s six semester term.
While at Shaw University, Dr. Yancy improved the institution vastly in a short time, and she feels that Dr. McClaurin can build on the improvement. ” Dr. McClaurin is inheriting a student body of over 2,700 students, a balanced budget, and a great faculty & staff. She has the will and resolve to take Shaw University to another level.” said a jubilant Dr. Yancy.
Dr. Yancy was not the only one optimistic about newly elected McClaurin. Vice President for Student Affairs & Administration Dr. Jeffery A. Smith, referred to McClaurin as “poised”- saying she is certainly qualified for the job. “Dr. McClaurin has had lots of success at her past Universities, and success with fundraisers, grants, and research. We will do everything we can to make sure that she succeeds,” said Smith.
Dr. McClaurin was very successful at the University of Minnesota, where she served as Associate Vice President for System Academic Administration and founding Director of the institution’s first Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center. She was also given the title of Program Officer for Education and Scholarship at the Ford Foundation with responsibilities for supporting the fields of Black Studies and Women’s Studies and overseeing a $10.5 million budget. She is an activist anthropologist, higher education administrator, teacher, poet and writer whose commitment to the eradication of social inequality spans over 30 years. Shaw University Chairman of the Board, Dr. Willie E. Gary called Dr. McClaurin “Proven.”
“There is no doubt in my mind that we are on our way. Because of this wonderful woman, we will have success beyond measure. We have to thank God for pointing us to her,” said Gary.
So when asked about where she plans on taking Shaw during her presidency, Dr. McClaurin replied, ” To a New Plateau. I want to make sure that Shaw students have access to the best technology, and resources so that they can leave here ready to run the world.”