Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for president less than a week ago, making her the first African American woman to make the top of a presidential ticket for the U.S. Elections. This historical event is shocking to everyone except Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard.

In a broadcasted interview with WRAL News, Dillard explained her feelings about Harris’ new role as the Democratic presidential candidate.

“It’s not unbelievable,” said Dillard, “She’s currently the vice president. So, seeing her get that nomination and being at the top of that ticket? It just seems like that’s the way it ought to be.”

Though after acknowledging Harris’ recent accomplishment, Dillard also shared her thoughts on the inadequate funding of historically black colleges (HBCUs). She shared that she wants to see continued investment in HBCUs during a possible Harris presidency.

“Infrastructure is one of our biggest issues,” Dillard said, “We have not been funded at levels that have allowed us to keep our campuses up to date, and we all suffer from deferred maintenance and those kinds of things.”

Dillard has faith in the potential president-elect. Considering the fact that Harris is an HBCU graduate, Dillard stated that “it’s easier for her to advocate on our behalf”. According to Dillard, the student population of Shaw University is on fire for Harris, with the strongest support for the potential president-elect amongst young women.

Dillard has faith in the potential president-elect. Considering the fact that Harris is an HBCU graduate, Dillard believes Harris would make a great advocate for universities as such. 

“It’s easier for her to advocate on our behalf, and not based on what she’s being told, but what she’s experienced. So if they continue, or she continues, along the path that they’re already on, I think HBCUs will benefit enormously from her presidency.”

According to Dillard, the student population of Shaw University is on fire for Harris, with the strongest support for the potential president-elect amongst young women. Notably, Dillard hosted Harris at Shaw University during her 2020 vice presidential campaign.

Dillard became the 18th president of Shaw University in 2018, and has contributed to many of the university’s advancements under her leadership, including the rezoning and redevelopment of the university’s Raleigh campus.