UW-Platteville Chancellor Dennis Shields is one of three finalists to lead the Southern University System, the nation’s only system of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Telegraph Herald reported Thursday.
Shields, who was named one of Wisconsin’s most influential Black leaders in 2018, has led UW-P since 2010.
Shields told the Telegraph Herald he is “honored” to be considered for the opportunity to lead the Southern University System, which includes two four-year colleges, a law center, a community college and an agricultural research and extension center. As of the fall of 2021, more than 13,300 students attended schools in the system.
“I’m in an interesting space in my career,” Shields told the Telegraph Herald. “I full well expected to finish my time here, and that’s what I decided I was going to do, but I think this is a remarkable opportunity.”
The other two finalists are University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Chancellor Laurence Alexander and Dillard University president Walter Kimbrough. The chosen candidate will take over on July 1 from retiring SUS President-Chancellor Ray Belton.
