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Shaw University

Raleigh, NC

private nonprofitHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

Pro Christo Et Humanitate(For Christ and Humanity)

Private historically Black university
Type
65 acres
Campus
839
Total Students
924
Undergrad
143
Graduate
$11M
Endowment
(2019)
$17K
Tuition (In-State)
$17K
Tuition (Out-State)
$14K
Avg Net Price
30%
Acceptance Rate
20%
Graduation Rate
6-year
56%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Paulette Dillard

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Shaw University

Shaw University: The South's oldest HBCU, pioneering education for African Americans since 1865.

Shaw University stands as a beacon of educational excellence and historical significance in Raleigh, North Carolina. As the oldest historically Black university (HBCU) to begin offering courses in the Southern United States, Shaw has a profound legacy of pioneering opportunities for African Americans since its founding on December 1, 1865. Embracing its motto, "Pro Christo Et Humanitate" (For Christ and Humanity), Shaw fosters a vibrant academic community and a commitment to service.

Throughout its rich history, Shaw University has been at the forefront of educational innovation and social progress. It established Estey Hall, the first building constructed in the U.S. for the higher education of African-American women. Furthermore, Shaw founded the Leonard Medical School, the first four-year medical school to train African-American doctors in the South, and the nation's first law school for African Americans. This unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and fostering intellectual growth has shaped generations of leaders and professionals.

Situated on an urban campus in the East Raleigh-South Park Historic District, Shaw University provides a dynamic environment for learning and personal development for its 1,067 students. Students benefit from an intimate setting, engaging with dedicated faculty and a close-knit community. As a co-founding member of the NCAA Division II's Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the university boasts a proud tradition of athletic achievement, with championships across various sports, contributing to a well-rounded and spirited student experience.

Key Highlights

  • Founded December 1, 1865, making it the oldest HBCU to offer courses in the Southern United States.
  • Home to Estey Hall (1873), the first building constructed in the U.S. for the higher education of African-American women.
  • Established the Leonard Medical School (1881), the first four-year medical school in the South to train African-American doctors.
  • Opened the Shaw University Law School (1888), the first law school for African Americans in the country.
  • A co-founding member of the NCAA Division II's Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the oldest African American athletic association in the U.S.
  • Features diverse architectural styles, including Second Empire, Italianate, and Romanesque Revival, on its urban Raleigh campus.
  • Offers a close-knit academic community for 1,067 students, led by President Paulette Dillard.

Timeline

1865
Founded on December 1 as the Raleigh Institute, the oldest HBCU to offer courses in the Southern United States.
1870
Renamed Shaw Collegiate Institute in honor of Elijah Shaw.
1873
Estey Hall, the first building constructed in the U.S. for the higher education of African-American women, was built.
1875
Officially chartered with the State of North Carolina as Shaw University.
1881
The Leonard Medical Building was erected, leading to the establishment of the Leonard Medical School.
1882
Leonard School of Pharmacy established.
1888
Shaw University Law School opened, the first of its kind for African-Americans in the country.
1916
Shaw University Law School closed after graduating fifty-seven law students.
1918
Leonard Medical School closed after being given a scathing evaluation by the Flexner Report.

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Shaw University

🏥

Leonard Medical School

The first four-year medical school to train African-American doctors in the South, established in 1881.

💊

Leonard School of Pharmacy

Established in 1882, a pioneering school for African-American pharmacists.

⚖️

Shaw University Law School

The first law school for African-Americans in the country, opened in 1888.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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