Shirley Raines

Dr. Shirley Raines was the first woman President of the University of Memphis and successfully served for 12 years. Today, as President Emeritus, Shirley is a leadership speaker, consultant, and author.

From growing up on a small cotton farm, Shirley went on to run a large public university, described as "managing a small city." She built long-term relationships with thousands of students, faculty, coaches, alumni, and community leaders.

Dr. Raines led the University of Memphis to become one of the Top 20 internship programs in the nation; the largest honors program in the state, and developed an entrepreneurship program that launched companies started by professors and students. Based on these experiences, Shirley was invited to speak at the White House Conference on University Entrepreneurship.

Dr. Raines served as the "first woman" for numerous posts, including chair of Conference-USA and chair of the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce. At her induction into the Tennessee Women's Hall of Fame, she was described as "personable, powerful and prepared."

Before her 12 years as president, Raines served on the faculties of universities in six states, as a professor, department chair, dean and vice-chancellor. She published 17 education books with Gryphon House, Cengage, and Teachers College Press. Shirley had the honor of serving on the selection committee for the National Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Raines is the consummate energizer of leaders and their teams. She has shared her leadership stories, challenges, and pitfalls at Harvard's Institute for New Presidents and Chancellors. Now, she is in demand to work with non-profits, corporations, foundations, and professional associations to inspire, inform, and challenge leaders, team members, and citizens. Whether in the boardroom or from the conference podium, Dr. Raines conveys her leadership stories with humor, dignity, and style.