Support Us Button Widget

Shaw University — the South’s first historically Black institution of higher education

28337490641_0ec3c0e1dc_h (1)

Shaw University Sign | Terrence Jones Photography

Table of Contents

DYK: In 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the second week of September National HBCU Week.

Let’s take a deep dive into the history of Shaw University, the first historically Black institution of higher education in the South, located right here in Raleigh.

What is an HBCU?


HBCU stands for historically Black colleges + universities. The term and acronym first came from the Higher Education Act of 1965, when federal funding was expanded to all universities and colleges. However, the first HBCU was established long before this act was passed.

The creation of these academic institutions was important since many Black students were denied admission to traditionally white colleges + universities.

Shaw is one of the oldest HBCUs in the nation + was founded by Baptist missionary Henry Martin Tupper in 1865. After founding Shaw, Tupper became an instructor and an administrator, and was even the pastor of a church next door.

A few firsts:

Shaw is not only the first HBCU in the South, it has collected quite a few other firsts as well.
🥇 The first HBCU in NC to get an A rating from the NC Department of Public Instruction.
🥇 The first college in the nation to offer a four-year medical program.
🥇 The first HBCU to allow women to attend.

Fast facts + major milestones


In 1960, the university established The Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a student-led grassroots organization dedicated to helping people of color exercise their full rights as citizens.

In 1997, Shaw conducted a research study to determine why Black World War II veterans were excluded from receiving Medals of Honor, the top military award. As a result of this study, Shaw recommended ten Black soldiers to the Pentagon to receive the award, resulting in seven of the candidates being awarded the Medal of Honor.

In 2012, Shaw’s women’s basketball team — the Lady Bears — won its first NCAA Division II national championship. This title is the first national championship in the school’s history.

In 2013, Shaw’s students, staff, faculty, and alumni contributed $133 million to Wake County’s economy.

Fast forward to today:

Shaw University offers 30+ degree programs, including accredited programs in athletic training, kinesiotherapy, divinity, religious + teacher education, and social work.

Some notable alumni include Gladys Knight, Leonard Moore, and Ella Baker + Dr. Paulette Dillard, who is the university’s 18th President.

Quiz

Sorry, you are using an unsupported browser. This page will not display correctly.
Please click here to upgrade to a newer browser.

/**/

More from RALtoday
We’re a few weeks shy of the NC State Fair, and to help you prepare for one of the most anticipated times of the fall season, we’re giving you the rundown on everything you need to know.
The NC Museum of History is preparing for a transformative renovation that will last two to three years + is celebrating the new chapter with celebratory events.
Do you feel that? Fall is in the air, and we’re gearing up for the top October events coming to Raleigh, from the state fair to happenings a bit off the beaten path.
Hurricane Helene hit our Western NC neighbors hard — here is how you can help Asheville and other communities.
Art nonprofit Artspace is launching a new exhibition and will host a series of events to celebrate.
We’re hitting the road to Durham — here’s what you need to know about the Bull City ahead of a Broadway show, baseball game, or just a day trip to our neighbor.
Real estate event Triangle Parade of Homes is back for the 2024 fall season. Explore the history of the event and get a glance of some homes a part of the annual parade.
See what fall events Raleigh Parks has planned for the crunchiest season in Oak City.
Fall is here — what better way to celebrate than picking out the perfect pumpkins? Bring the family for a pumpkin patch experience with hay rides + games, or purchase fall decor for your home.
The eatery, market, and community space is headed by restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias and will feature a blend of European, Mediterranean, and Americana goods + vibes.