James A. Shaw

James A. Shaw is a 1967 engineering graduate of the Air Force Academy and holds master’s
degrees from Auburn University in business administration and from the University of Arizona
in international relations. He had a postgraduate fellowship at Queens University in Kingston,
Ontario, Canada.

Upon leaving active duty after 26 years at the rank of colonel, the former command pilot
accepted a position with the Academy’s Association of Graduates as vice president for
development. After seven years in that post, he was promoted to president and chief executive
officer of the organization where he served nine years. His accomplishments included raising
nearly $40 million in a campaign to finance capital projects at the Academy.

Upon retirement from the Air Force Academy, the Shaw’s ventured to Kentucky to continue his
career in Advancement. He began serving as MSU’s Vice President for Development and Chief
Executive Officer of the MSU Foundation in 2008.

During his tenure, MSU’s University Advancement division was recognized at the state, regional
and national levels with numerous awards from professional organizations. He led the “Much
More Opportunity: The Campaign for Morehead State”, which had a goal of $30 million, raised
nearly $47 million for campus facilities, scholarships, research and other University priorities.
He also led the “Soar to New Heights Campaign”, which focused on scholarships surpassed its
original $15 million goal and raised over $27 million. During his tenure total assets of the MSU
Foundation grew from $25 million to nearly $69 million.

Cindy Shaw holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Arizona
and a master’s degree in Teaching from Colorado College. She also completed several graduate
level courses in Special Education at the University of Alaska. She began her teaching career in
1968 and spent over forty years in the classroom. Her teaching experiences include pre-school,
pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade and special education. Throughout her career she was
recognized for her expertise in literacy development, specifically with children struggling in
reading programs. She held teaching positions in Colorado, Alaska, Arizona, North Carolina and
Kentucky. Even during retirement in Kentucky, she continued to spend time in the classroom as
a substitute teacher.

Cindy not only taught full-time in four different states and but supported Jim in all his positions
by moving the family multiple times, hosting gatherings and dinners, and opening her home to
cadets, students, alumni and board members. Cindy loves to cook and entertain. She also loves
to attend theater and music events, travel and participate in outdoor and fitness activities.

Cindy’s passion is children and the job title that she cherishes the most is the title of mother and
grandmother. Cindy and Jim have three daughters – Gennie, Kali and Erin. She has always been
a devoted mother to their three daughters and grandmother to their five grandchildren. First and
foremost, she loves people and truly cares about them. During the Shaw’s time in Morehead,
Cindy also earned the title of “MSU Mom” to many.

Jim retired from MSU in 2021. The Shaw’s consider Morehead a special place that they will
always call a home.