Dr. Paulette R. Dillard Inaugurated As 18th President Of Shaw University
Raleigh, NC – Shaw University last week celebrated the formal inauguration of Paulette R. Dillard, Ph.D., as the eighteenth president of the historic institution with several events during the day (April 25).
Celebration included “Women Who Lead” luncheon and Gala performance by Grammy-winner Peabo Bryson
To begin the day-long celebration, Shaw hosted its “Women Who Lead” Awards Luncheon honoring Dr. Paulette Dillard, NC Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynthia Marshall, and McDonald’s owner/operator Deborah Holder in Shaw University’s historic Estey Hall. Lena Tillett, an Emmy-nominated anchor and reporter at WRAL-TV and FOX50 emceed the program. The sold-out luncheon was the first of what will be an annual event recognizing women who, regardless of their field of endeavor, demonstrate leadership and a desire to serve, and who do so with dignity and distinction.
Following the luncheon was Dr. Dillard’s formal investiture as president, at which she received the ceremonial mace, the custom President’s Medallion, and presidential regalia. In her Inaugural Address, Dr. Dillard noted that both the story of Shaw University and her own were filled with examples of “the triumph of a resilient spirit,” and outlined her vision for Shaw. Board chair Dr. Joseph Bell surprised the newly-inaugurated President Dillard by presenting her with a painting from noted visual artist Synthia SAINT JAMES titled “Resilience & Opportunity, which was specially commissioned in honor of the occasion. Notable guests included Congressman David Price; representative from Gov. Roy Cooper’s office and Shaw alumnus Michael Leach; the Hon. James Roberson, mayor of Knightdale and Shaw alumnus; former Shaw University president Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, and delegates from numerous colleges, universities, learned societies & professional organizations.
The celebration culminated in the Inaugural Gala, which included UNC-TV’s Deborah Holt Noel as emcee and double Grammy-award winning singer Peabo Bryson as the featured artist. The singer, who is a long-time friend of Dr. Dillard’s, performed many of his signature hits, and surprised many in the sold-out audience by playing the acoustic guitar.
ABOUT SHAW: Shaw University, located in North Carolina’s vibrant Downtown Raleigh, was founded in 1865 and is the first historically black institution of higher education in the Southern United States. Shaw’s mission is to advance knowledge, facilitate student learning and achievement, enhance the spiritual and ethical values of its students, and transform a diverse community of learners into future global leaders. Learn more at www.shawu.edu.
Highlights of Women Who Lead Luncheon (Photos: Qiana Hendricks)
