Shaw University

For Immediate Release
Contact: Terry Spicer, University Relations
Shaw University
(919) 719-1999

Shaw President Discusses Economic Effects on University in WTVD Interview

Raleigh, NC - (March 25, 2009) Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, President of Shaw University conducted an in-depth interview today with Gerrick Brenner, a reporter from WTVD Channel 11 Eyewitness News. The interview is a direct follow-up to the article that was printed in the Sunday edition of the News & Observer that chronicled the effects of the economic conditions on local colleges and universities. The newspaper featured a separate article on Shaw University that painted Shaw struggling much more than the other institutions. Nothing is farther from the truth. Institutions nationwide are taking the same or similar steps to position themselves, like Shaw, to be continuously viable and meet obligations while working to become financially robust. When asked about salaries being cut, Dr. Newsome stated that employees have taken a salary cut; his salary was cut a whopping 20% as he took the lead role towards financial stabilization.

Some comments written in the Sunday newspaper article were taken out of context from the original responses provided to the news reporter from the University. Dr. Newsome took the time to address these issues directly and confidently with WTVD to dispel the notion that we are in more dire straits than the other institutions.

Dr. Newsome made many exceptional comments that are not featured in the interview but told to the reporter. He said, "We are meeting our obligations and commitments. History tells us that we will come through this as we did the right planning and executed the right steps to leverage our pioneering role and qualified leadership to bring about the best economic positioning. Shaw is the best investment dollar for dollar and our tuition is the lowest in the state of private colleges and universities. We are going through an epical change that requires new approaches and new thinking. Shaw University is a family and is one of the greatest assets in this city; awe inspiring. We have much to offer Raleigh, the nation and the world." Please click on the following link to view the news story that is featured today on the WTVD Channel 11 Eyewitness news cycle: http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6728628

Click on the "Watch Video" icon to hear the entire interview.