Shaw University , an institution of higher learning for African Americans (Negroes), was founded December 1, 1865, when a theological class was formed in the old Guion Hotel where the State Museum now stands. This class was formed by Dr. Henry Martin Tupper (Founder and First President of Shaw University) who was honorably discharged from the Union Army after serving for three years as a private and as a chaplain. On October 10, 1865, Dr. Tupper settled in Raleigh with his bride, Mrs. Sarah B. Tupper, and in December organized the class, which was to develop into Shaw University.

In 1866 on March 1, the first class for colored women was formed and has served both sexes since that time. Meanwhile, another building had been erected for the purpose of housing the girls who were seeking educational advantages at Shaw Collegiate Institute. This building was started in 1873 and was called Estey Hall in honor of Jacob Estey who contributed generously toward its erection. There followed a period of continued expansion and success for Shaw University.

Shaw University has had an educational impact nationally and internationally and still remains a coeducational Liberal Arts institution. Many early students came from Central and South America and Africa . Some of the first Black college–trained missionaries were Shaw graduates. Shaw has many “firsts as leaders” who have helped gain renown for the University as a producer of Black leaders. Today Shaw, a culturally diverse institution still produces leaders in the twenty-first century. Shaw University lives up to the administrative motto:  “Strides to Excellence, Only the Best!”.