Gifford Shaw shares his knowledge with Morris College students

SUBMITTED BY MORRIS COLLEGE

Gifford Shaw is serving as a visiting professor for this spring semester at Morris College, teaching a course titled "Basic Money Management." While this is his first foray in an academic setting as a faculty member, there is no question regarding his ability to teach, advise and mentor students as they build their future careers.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Mr. Shaw on our faculty for the spring semester," President Leroy Staggers said. "His vast business knowledge, acumen and experiences is a tremendous benefit for our students."

Shaw is distinctively qualified to be in the classroom. He is well-known in the community as an accomplished businessman with decades of ownership of successful business ventures in Sumter. Shaw also brings to the classroom a perspective as an elected official, having been a member of Sumter City Council since 2020.

"I really enjoy teaching at Morris College," Shaw said. "I see it as one way of giving back to the community. I see Morris College as a tremendous community asset. My goal is not only to teach, but to build lasting relationships with the students. I want to be accessible to them long after they graduate."

Shaw describes his teaching style as conversational. He also invites other business owners to the class to give students alternative perspectives on how to achieve a successful business enterprise.

"I want students to feel comfortable when we discuss the key elements of investment, finance and business," he said. "I opted for a round table rather than the typical classroom setting. It is working very well, and the students are pleased with that approach to teaching."

His students are effusive in their evaluation of his teaching style and obvious dedication to making complex concepts less difficult to comprehend.

"He's providing us with real-life experiences in the business world," said Javier King, a senior from Bowman, S.C. "I am learning so much about finances that I previously didn't know. He's helping me prepare for my future."

King is majoring in cybersecurity with a minor in computer information systems.

Marcella Dicks is an entrepreneur with a fledgling business in Sumter. She is convinced that Shaw has already made an impact on her prospects for increased income.

"He has provided me with a different perspective on how to run my business," said Dicks, a junior pursuing a major in business and owner of "A Veteran's Touch" in Sumter. "He breaks down life experiences and doesn't go only by the pages in the textbook."

Shaw graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in accounting, which prepared him for what has become an accomplished and exceptional career.

"I see education as a means to really have an impact on the communication gap in our community," Shaw said. "That is another reason I am delighted with the opportunity to teach at Morris College."

Shaw's teaching and student learning from his experiences are turning out to be a welcomed symmetry with dual benefits.

"This is another example of the commitment of Morris College to provide real-world experiences for our students," Staggers said.