Presidential Inauguration

Ken Shaw, EdD, took office as the 27^th president of Southern Adventist University on June 1, 2021. Having graduated from Southern in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, he is the first alum to serve as president. His wife, Ann, and their children, Kate and Martin, graduated from Southern as well. President Shaw also holds a doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Georgia and master’s degree in mathematics from Middle Tennessee State University. 

For the past seven years, President Shaw led Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas. Previously he worked at Florida State University for 25 years in various capacities, from assistant professor of mathematics education to campus dean of Florida State University Panama City and academic dean of the College of Applied Studies.

During his tenure at Southern, President Shaw looks forward to engaging with students, hearing their stories, and worshiping together. His goals include forging stronger connections with the local community and making Southern more affordable by growing the university’s endowment. As a leader and mathematician, he values strategic thinking and analyzing metrics to optimize results. Additionally, he enjoys playing piano duets with his wife, traveling, sports—especially golf—and spending time with family.

Founded in 1892, Southern Adventist University is dedicated to providing a quality, Christian education. The university enrolls approximately 2,500 students pursuing degrees ranging from associate to doctoral. As a learning community, Southern equips students to embrace biblical truth, embody academic and professional excellence, and pursue Spirit-filled lives of service. The primarily residential student body represents nearly 40 countries around the globe.

The university has been recognized and honored for its academic excellence—ranked a “Top Tier” institution by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” guide for 19 consecutive years—and is among the top 10 schools in Tennessee for return on investment according to SmartAsset.

Activities on the 1,300-acre campus include many options for students to participate in academic and non-academic programs and clubs, performing arts, cultural organizations, worship programs, outdoor activities, and intramural sports. Additionally, students are active participants in serving others within the local community and abroad.

Southern welcomes community members from the Chattanooga area and other visitors to enjoy our wellness center, vegetarian health food store, performances and lectures, and classical radio station, as well as our campus art gallery, archaeology museum, and origins exhibit. Outdoor enthusiasts can spelunk in our cave, climb our rock walls, and hike or bike our miles of mountain trails. While Southern alumni contribute to their communities all around the world, many work in the greater Chattanooga area, especially in health-related fields.