With pressure coming from around campus, Irma McClaurin resigned her position as president of Shaw University Aug. 9.

Chairman of Shaw’s Board of Trustees Willie Gary made the announcement, and named Dorothy Yancy as interim president. It is her second time serving in the position.

Ryan Girlie, a student at Shaw, said McClaurin’s personality clashed with those on the Board. She described herself as a “student leader,” and had knowledge of administrative goings-on.

“It was a personality as far as the board was concerned. It was her first time being president,” Girlie said.

The former president had heat coming all sides. Current students as well as graduates were not happy with the way she went about leading the historically black University.

“Some faculty was upset with some things. Local alumni had some complaints that they never saw her and she never went to meetings. Some faculty that were fired – obviously had some grievances,” Girlie said.

Yancy was the 14-year president of Johnson C. Smith University of Charlotte, N.C . before her first run as Shaw’s interim president, also according to the Shaw website.

While under her watch, the school raised $145 million, and increased its endowment from $14 million to $53 million – something that Shaw needs as damaged buildings still require repair.

McClaurin was in charge when a tornado rocked campus. Due to her efforts, classes began on time, students had residence halls to sleep in and a temporary cafeteria to eat in – their only on-campus place to eat was totally destroyed.

“One thing I think [ McClaurin ] and her administration did well was manage the aftermath of the tornado in a very safe fashion. We had a lot of students on campus that had to be evacuated, and I do think that was handled well,” Girlie said.

No official comment was made. The University’s website made brief mention of McClaurin , simply saying she had resigned.

Faculty and staff at Shaw are not allowed to speak with reporters unless the communications department clears them. Sherri Fillingham of public relations declined comment, and Chairman Gary could not be reached for comment.

Shaw is up for accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools next year. Although Girlie said she thought the school would retain its accreditation, she had some misgivings.

“There are some people that have said we might not have accreditation,” Girlie said. “I think Shaw needs to get its house in order.”

The Board of Trustees needs to be held accountable for actions of University leaders, and the school needs accountability “across the board,” according to Girlie.

In her first term as interim president, Yancy employed a hands-on approach to University management. She could be seen around campus daily, and would take the time to sit in on classes. Students living on campus would see her walking around dorms and attending church in the chapel.

According to the Shaw website, Yancy was welcomed back with open arms.

“The Shaw family is excited about the prospect of having Dr. Yancy come back to lead us through the SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) re-accreditation and beyond.

“There is jubilation in the air and excitement all over campus.  We’ve had a great faculty and staff meeting and we all look forward to an outstanding 2011-2012 academic year,” Gary said at a press conference.

Although she left under scrutiny, Girlie said McClaurin was a good leader, just not the one Shaw needed.

“McClaurin is still a leader; I just don’t necessarily know if her leadership qualities were the right fit for Shaw,” Girle said.