Just two days after Shaw University, the South’s oldest historically Black college in Raleigh, N.C., reopened to students, its president Irma McClaurin resigned from her post, The News & Observer of Raleigh, N.C. reported Tuesday.
McClaurin, 58, said that her departure was “a mutual decision” between her and the university, according to The News & Observer. Shaw’s board of trustees did not release a statement.
McClaurin was hired Sept. 6 as Shaw’s 15th president and the school’s first female leader.
On April 16, a tornado touched down on campus and more than 27 buildings were hit. It forced an early ending to the school’s academic year.
The tornado damage totaling between $3 million and $4 million was particularly difficult for Shaw, which was more than $20 million in debt in 2009. The university grabbed a lifeline last year when then-U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge secured a $31 million federal loan for the school.
But the school mounted a rapid recovery. Classes are scheduled to begin Aug. 17.
Incoming students are going through orientation to the downtown Raleigh campus, which suffered damage to 27 buildings, including dormitories and the student center, The News & Observer reported Monday.
