McClaurin: A Legacy of Academic Leadership and Black Feminist Advocacy
The trajectory of McClaurin's career is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and a commitment to social equity. From her roots in Chicago to her roles as a university president and a champion for marginalized voices, she has navigated the intersections of anthropology, administration, and activism to create lasting institutional change.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
McClaurin's journey into academia began at Grinnell College, where she majored in American Studies and graduated in 1973. She continued her pursuit of excellence at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a Master of Fine Arts in English in 1976. As a first-generation college graduate, she set a precedent for her family's educational achievements.
While balancing the responsibilities of being a full-time mother, McClaurin returned to the University of Massachusetts Amherst to further her studies, eventually earning a Ph.D. in anthropology—the scientific study of humanity, concerned with human behavior, biology, cultures, societies, and linguistics—in 1993.
Her early professional years were marked by academic contribution and editorial leadership. She joined the faculty at the University of Florida and served as the editor of the journal Transforming Anthropology from 1996 to 2002.
Leadership in Higher Education
McClaurin's career transitioned into high-level administration through various prestigious appointments. After a tenure as an administrator at Fisk University, she was appointed the Mott Distinguished Chair in Women's Studies at Bennett College in 2004. During her time there, she founded the Africana Women's Studies Program, centering the academic study of women of African descent.
Her influence extended beyond the classroom into philanthropic and research sectors. Between 2005 and 2007, she served as a program officer at the Ford Foundation. In 2007, she established the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center at the University of Minnesota, where she also took on the role of executive director.
One of the most significant milestones of her career occurred between 2010 and 2011, when she served as the president of Shaw University. In this role, she became the first female president in the institution's history, notably leading the university through the recovery process following major damage caused by a tornado.
Advocacy and the Black Feminist Archive
Following her presidency at Shaw, McClaurin continued to impact organizational culture as a senior faculty member at the Federal Executive Institute and later as the chief diversity officer for Teach For America.
In 2016, she launched the Black Feminist Archive. This initiative was designed to collect the personal stories, thoughts, and accomplishments of Black women, regardless of the scale of their achievements. By documenting these narratives, McClaurin sought to challenge societal perceptions and provide a different lens through which to view Black women, ultimately asserting that their experiences and contributions are essential to the broader human story.
Key Facts
- First-Generation Graduate: First in her family to earn college degrees.
- Educational Credentials: Holds a BA in American Studies, an MFA in English, and a Ph.D. in Anthropology.
- Historic Leadership: Served as the first female president of Shaw University (2010–2011).
- Institutional Founder: Established the Africana Women's Studies Program at Bennett College and the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center at the University of Minnesota.
- Archival Work: Created the Black Feminist Archive in 2016 to preserve the stories of Black women.
| Period/Year | Organization/Institution | Role/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Grinnell College | Graduated in American Studies |
| 1976 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | Earned MFA in English |
| 1993 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | Earned Ph.D. in Anthropology |
| 1996–2002 | Transforming Anthropology | Journal Editor |
| 2004 | Bennett College | Mott Distinguished Chair; Founded Africana Women's Studies Program |
| 2005–2007 | Ford Foundation | Program Officer |
| 2007 | University of Minnesota | Founded Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center |
| 2010–2011 | Shaw University | First Female President |
| 2016 | Black Feminist Archive | Founder |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Black Feminist Archive?
The archive was created to collect the personal stories, thoughts, and accomplishments of Black women to make a powerful statement that they matter and to allow society to view them through a different lens.
Which university did McClaurin lead as its first female president?
McClaurin served as the first female president of Shaw University from 2010 to 2011.
What academic degrees does McClaurin hold?
She holds a degree in American Studies from Grinnell College, a Master of Fine Arts in English, and a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
What programs did McClaurin found during her career?
She founded the Africana Women's Studies Program at Bennett College, the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center at the University of Minnesota, and the Black Feminist Archive.
What role did she hold at Teach For America?
McClaurin served as the chief diversity officer for Teach For America.