RALEIGH -- In the midst of a financially stressful time for the oldest historically black college in the South, Shaw University welcomed a new president Thursday who promised to make fundraising one of her first priorities.
Irma McClaurin, a former associate vice president at the University of Minnesota, was formally introduced as the 15th president in the school's 145-year history during a ceremony in the gymnasium.
An anthropologist by training, McClaurin, 58, is a poet and administrator with a long academic history. But it was her experience and the contacts she gathered at the Ford Foundation, the international philanthropic organization, that seemed to stoke the university's leadership.
"The lady can raise money," said Willie Gary, a millionaire attorney, Shaw alum and chairman of the school's board of trustees. The university needs "someone who can knock on the door and know the door she should be knocking on."
The university introduced McClaurin with a full program of speeches, as well as performances by a chorus and the marching band. Faculty, alumni and students filled the gym. Morning classes were canceled so students could attend.
As McClaurin walked out of the gym and toward a reception on the lawn, an R&B combo serenaded her with a version of Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely?"
During her remarks, McClaurin said that running a university was the fulfillment of a longtime dream. Although she was educated at colleges and universities with majority white enrollments, McClaurin said she and students like her benefitted from the trails blazed by those who attended Shaw and other historically black institutions during segregated times.
"We went through the doors that had previously been closed," McClaurin said, as she noted that working for Shaw was a way to give back to a historic tradition and university. "I'm proud to be here."
Money troubles
Shaw has struggled financially in recent years, announcing in the summer of 2009 that it was burdened with $20 million in debt. Interim President Dorothy C. Yancy helped secure a $31 million federal loan to keep the doors open for the school's 2,700 students.
Earlier this year, the president of the school's national alumni association sent a letter asking that the university's board of trustees resign or be dismissed. In May, EmilyPerry, the association president, wrote in part that members had concerns about the board's fiduciary responsibilities and commitment.
On Thursday, though, Perry described herself as "ecstatic" with the trustees' choice of McClaurin.
"She really, truly understands the need for the board, the alumni and the students to all work together. She really gets it," Perry said.
Students expressed excitement at having permanency at the top.
The school's budget woes have caused concern among students about what programs and services might be cut, said Kryslynn White, 19, a sophomore from Charlotte. She worried about the football team and the Bear's Den, a student gathering spot.
With the installation of a new president, "you know she's there and she's working for the future."
The financial outlook
McClaurin is prepared to tackle the school's financial issues. But she noted the sour economy has affected universities across the country. Shaw is not the only school that borrowed money.
"All institutions have a debt ratio," she said. McClaurin plans to tap a variety of sources, including federal grants, corporations and alumni, to secure new donations.
Gary said the school's budget, which exceeds $30 million, has been balanced, in part through pay cuts. But he knows more problems could arise, as the budget's future health depends in part on the economy.
"We expect additional storms. Money is tight. There is no doubt about it," he said, before adding: "We have a handle on it."
Nearly 20 years ago, Gary pledged to give the school $10 million, and he has admitted falling behind with the periodic donations. On Thursday, he said he was a little more than halfway to the goal, having donated or raised more than $5 million.
He promised a new gift was on the way. Although he would not be specific, Gary said he recently settled a $150 million case. He expects to present a substantial gift in the new year.
