Dear Shaw University Alumni,

As the new Director of Alumni Relations, I am excited about the opportunity to engage and connect with all of you as we work toward continuing the historic legacy of our great alma mater, Shaw University. Our graduates have gone on to distinguish themselves in business, education, legal, ministry and many other fields and are taking leadership roles in their respective areas of expertise.

As a two-time graduate of Shaw, and one of more than 8,000 alumni, I understand the story behind the dear old walls and the vision our ancestors worked so hard to achieve when they founded the University in 1865. I spent four wonderful years as a Shaw undergraduate and completed my degree in Business Administration in 1999. My love for Shaw ran so deep, I  spent another three years as a student in our Divinity School and earned  my Master of  Divinity in 2013.The years spent at Shaw taught me how to be a leader, strive for excellence and to always give back to my community.

Previously, I served as the Default Prevention Administrator at Shaw. While serving in this role, I developed a holistic default management program that included the creation of a cross campus default prevention team, student loan management strategies while in repayment, and financial literacy activities. The strategic execution of this program resulted in a reduction of the University's Cohort Default Rate. 

As the Director of Alumni Relations, I plan to continue strengthening an EPIC bond between the University and the alumni; create programs that match the interests and needs of alumni; increase alumni giving and participation; and assist in developing a culture that teaches younger alumni to give back. In addition, I look forward to working with our current Shaw Bears to prepare them to lead their respective classes during their time as students and after graduation. 

I am strongly committed to the mission and vision of the University and look forward to your involvement, participation and continued support through giving, campus involvement and recruitment. If I may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (919) 546-8434 or  [email protected] .

 

Sincerely,

Valentino K. Bryant

Valentino K. Bryant '99

Director of Alumni Relations