The Communications Crisis At Shaw University

One alumnus angry about the issues that plague Shaw University is a disgruntled alum. Thousands is a formal protest. It will be NECESSARY to become unified in order to implement change!

As Shaw University goes through yet another turbulent administrative transition, it is literally breaking the hearts of those who are truly concerned about the University. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed an outright public relations catastrophe unfold before our very eyes. Shaw has battled bad public relations for many, many years and many people find it extremely disheartening that things never seem to get better. Whether you agree or disagree with the dismissal of Shaw’s first female full time president, the way in which the Board of Trustees has handled this debacle has had all of the makings of a pure, unadulterated public relations disaster, and one that could have been avoided.

First, faculty, staff, students and alumni learned that Shaw’s 3rd president in 3 years through mainstream media was no longer serving as president of Shaw University.

Then, the Board of Trustees released a statement regarding a “mutual agreement” to end the employment agreement between the President, Irma McClaurin and Shaw University.

Then the following day, this same Board of Trustees changed their tune. That “mutual agreement” story magically became a”McClaurin Was Forced Out” story.

Then, the chairman of the board traveled from Florida to Raleigh to inform those who were directly affected by the abrupt separation between Shaw & McClaurin. He stood on the steps on the Thomas Boyd chapel and revealed Shaw’s intended course of action directly to a sea of media before stepping foot inside the chapel to address the faculty, staff and students. Many felt that this was somewhat disrespectful to put the public’s needs before those of the university community.

Then while delivering a sermon message of love and hope built on Shaw’s ‘Family’ principles – Gary (the board’s chairman) asked one of the recently dismissed faculty members to leave – stating that the meeting was only for, “Shaw Family”. Meanwhile, another dismissed faculty member remained in the meeting. [CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO OF FACULTY MEMBER BEING ESCORTED OFF CAMPUS]

After the Chairman of the Board was questioned about the lack of accountability in a faculty/staff/student meeting, an official statement was e-mailed to Shaw employees – but again, (at the time this blog was written) no communication was sent to alumni via e-mail nor any alternative method.

The only public effort made to clean up the mess to Shaw’s already damaged reputation wasn’t a clean up at all; but a half hearted effort to set the record straight about a conflict of interest between Shaw University and Willie Gary’s brother who is the policyholder of Shaw’s 254 million dollar insurance policy.

Shaw’s reputation has been severely tarnished. Public scorn and ridicule are now focused on the institution. People want better communication between the different groups at Shaw. We would like to see more clarity and collaborative efforts. Poor public relations for an already embattled Shaw University will prove catastrophic if someone with a serious understanding of the importance of protecting its reputation doesn’t grab the reigns NOW!

As a sidebar – we would like to offer a bit of advice to those in power at Shaw. (we hear that you are HUGE FANS of this website!) One of the best ways to cultivate alumni support is to begin the process when alumni are students. Shaw has refused to acknowledge or consider the potential of an enormous return on investment when these students graduate. Shaw needs to instill in young people the idea that supporting one’s alma mater is an obligation — it’s something that you do because those who went before you gave and that giving contributed to your success. In order to increase alumni giving at Shaw, it is essential that students learn about giving back the moment they walk on to campus. But before you can do that, don’t ever mistreat your supporting base. Never, ever bite (or ignore) the hand that feeds you – even in the bad times.

Additionally, in an effort to create a level of transparency, Shaw’s search for its next leader should be a joint effort by the board of trustees and faculty while taking into consideration the opinions of others who are appropriately interested. Trying to achieve different result using the same method will be detrimental.

For way too long, Shaw University has not kept track of their alumni nor kept us informed of the successes and needs of our alma mater, and has not provided proper stewardship following alumni contributions. Perhaps alumni should consider withholding all financial support until a level of transparency is created and reinforced at Shaw. If we don’t demand better – we can’t do better. Please register to become a Friend Of Shaw by clicking HERE.

In closing, keep in mind that it is always best to tell your own story – or someone else will tell it for you. Shaw U – - are you listening?