Shaw University Names Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy Interim President

(Raleigh, NC) – Attorney Willie E. Gary, Chairman of the Shaw University Board of Trustees, has named Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy as Shaw University’s Interim President, effective immediately.  Dr. Yancy becomes the first female president in the University’s 144 year history. 

“Dr. Yancy’s qualifications as a university president are second to none anywhere in the nation, or in the world for that matter,” said Chairman Gary. 

Dr. Yancy served 14 years as the president of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC.  While there, she ran two successful capital campaigns, and raised over $145 million for the University.  She also increased the institution’s endowment from $14 million to $53 million. 

While under her leadership, Johnson C. Smith became the first Historically Black College or University to issue laptop computers to all students.  She also led the University through two accreditations, and helped the Business and Social Work programs receive their initial accreditations. 

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and social science from Johnson C. Smith University, a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Ph.D. in political science from Atlanta University (Georgia), with further study at the University of Singapore, Hampton University, Northeastern Illinois University (Chicago), Northwestern University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois at Chicago.  

Dr. Yancy has earned numerous awards and received countless recognitions from a variety of groups.  She was the first woman to become the Benjamin E. Mayes Lecturer at Morehouse College.  In 2008, she was inducted into the Women’s History Hall of Fame by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs and the Levine Museum of the South.   

For more information, contact Tanya Wiley at 336-345-2628.

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Shaw University was founded in 1865 and is the oldest historically black university in the south. Shaw University is a private, co-educational, liberal arts University that awards degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The primary mission of Shaw University is teaching with the commitment to maintain excellence in research and academic programs that foster intellectual enhancement and technological skills.

Shaw University Board of Trustees Grant
Presidential Sabbatical to Dr. Clarence G. Newsome
 

(Raleigh, NC) - Chairman of the Board Attorney Willie Gary and President, Dr. Clarence G. Newsome announced today that they have mutually agreed that President Newsome will take a one-year sabbatical from Shaw University. The agreement was ratified by the Board of Trustees. Although the terms of the agreement are confidential, both parties agree that Shaw University, one of the nation’s oldest Black universities, is a beacon of light for thousands of young men and women who value education and hope to become productive citizens.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Shaw University family, we would like to thank Dr. Newsome for his service to the University,” commented Chairman Gary. “After much thought we have collectively determined that in light of the sabbatical and the need to move the University in a different direction, it is time that Shaw move forward with new leadership. We all wish Dr. Newsome the very best,” continued Gary.

In a formal statement, Dr. Newsome said, “This has been one of the most difficult decisions that I have had to make. I have chosen to take a sabbatical from Shaw University. Although it was not an easy decision, I believe that it is the best course of action for me and the school.” Dr. Newsome concluded, “I have been deeply honored to serve as president of Shaw University. I want to thank the many students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and friends who helped to make possible the many accomplishments over the past six years. The time has come for me to focus on other endeavors and new opportunities. Shaw University will always be dear to me.”

A transition team has been assembled by Chairman Gary to consider options for new leadership, as interim management is appointed.

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Shaw University was founded in 1865 and is the oldest historically black university in the south. Shaw University is a private, co-education, liberal arts University that awards degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The primary mission of Shaw University is teaching with the commitment to maintain excellence in research and academic programs that foster intellectual enhancement and technological skills.
For additional information you may visit Shaw University.