Shirley Raines

Dr. Shirley Raines is a much sought-after speaker, consultant, education professional, and author. She speaks to conferences, foundations, boards, and professional and community organizations. Event planners ask her to address leadership issues in real-world work environments. She speaks with humor, enthusiasm, and authority.

Shirley's leadership posts in education and higher education culminated in serving 12 years as the first woman president of the University of Memphis. Her term began on July 1, 2001, and continued until her retirement on June 30, 2013. As president, Raines oversaw the acquisition of Lambuth University, the establishment of the University of Memphis Research Foundation and the Memphis Research Consortium, and the construction of a number of new buildings. Before entering administration, Raines taught for periods at the University of Alabama; North Carolina Wesleyan College; Northeastern State University, Oklahoma; George Mason University, Virginia; and the University of South Florida. In 1995, she was appointed the dean of education at the University of Kentucky; she was additionally made vice-president for academic affairs three years later. She served as president of the Association for Childhood Education International from 1999 to 2001.

Shirley's book An Uncommon Journey: Leadership Lessons follows her journey from a preschool teacher who became a university president. Published by Outskirts Press, the book also is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Shirley has written almost 20 books, the majority for teachers, some for children, and leadership books.

At her induction into the Tennessee Women's Hall of Fame by the Economic Council on Women, she was described as powerful, personable, and prepared. Shirley also has served on the selection committee for the National Teacher of the Year. Dr. Raines was an invited speaker to the White House Conference on University Entrepreneurship.