Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy is no stranger to hard work and dedication. The university’s first female president and former president of Johnson C Smith, states that she plans on implementing a process for fundraising and academic progression. “We are beginning to write grants to agencies and foundations to expand our fundraising,” said Yancy. According to Yancy, in order to increase revenue they must reach out to more federal agencies, corporations and foundations.
“We have a fundraising event that will take place in October called Leaders for Shaw. This is one of the mini campaigns that will lead to a major campaign but ground work must be built first,” said Yancy. According to Yancy, all institutions will experience rough spots including HBCU’s.
“I have a genuine commitment to HBCU’s. I felt that I was prepared and able to help during this rough spot,” said Yancy. Yancy is the Interim president and will continue until June 1, 2010. “I believe that in a year time the board will find a descent candidate so that we can keep track with the progress that is being made.” Eight months ago, more than 100 students protested to gain attention to their poor living conditions. According to Yancy, a lot of the demands they protested for has been fixed or in the process.
“There are things that are happening systematically that will improve campus life,” said Yancy. According to Yancy, software upgrades, new mattresses, new tile and the painting of some dormitories are some of the changes that the university has achieved.
“We can’t fix everything at once but we can start chipping away from the list the student’s had in their grievance,” said Yancy. Dr. Yancy believes that team work will assure that the university continues to progress in the right direction and she has expectations for the students and faculty.
“I expect students to remember that they came to Shaw University to get a quality education and take advantage of the resources that Shaw has to offer. I expect the faculty to step up to the plate and get the students excited about learning,” said Yancy.