The Board of Trustees of Chicago State University on June 15 announced a 4-year contract extension for President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott. She has held the position since July 1, 2018. President Scott is the 12th Permanent President of the University.
Scott’s initial contract expires on June 30, 2022. Her new contract will be effective July 1, 2022.
“The Board of Trustees’ unanimous support for this contract extension is a vote of full confidence in President Z Scott as the right person to lead CSU now and for the foreseeable future,” said Andrea Zopp, chair of the Trustees. “During the last four years, President Scott has exceeded the Board’s expectations. Particularly she has moved the university forward while navigating the unprecedented challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Zopp, who once served as president of the Chicago Urban League said Scott has driven forward advancement in areas critical to the success of the university.
CSU officials said the school’s key accomplishments under Scott’s leadership include creating a board-approved Strategic Plan reflecting university-wide input, launching a student success strategy that increased persistence and graduation rates, implementing a new plan for student recruitment, and positioning CSU as a statewide and national leader in advancing equity in higher education.
CSU officials also said President Scott has spearheaded building a national coalition of U.S. Department of Education-designated Predominantly Black Institutions. Scott also oversaw the redevelopment of the university’s foundation and its board of directors.
“There is a renewed level of energy on campus, and a renewed focus on Chicago State University as the focal point for the engagement of corporate partners and important community initiatives,” Zopp said.
In addition to her role as President, Scott is on the board of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Shedd Aquarium, Commonwealth Edison, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
During her time as President, Scott has provided expertise to local and statewide leaders including by serving as co-chair of the Illinois Board of Higher Education Strategic Plan Committee and the City of Chicago’s COVID-19 Recovery Task Force.
Prior to taking the helm of CSU, Scott was an equity partner in a national law firm with an international practice. Her career further includes work as federal criminal prosecutor in the position of Chief of General Crimes and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and the first Illinois Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Governor and its Public Universities.
