Fulton, MO – William Woods University (WWU) today announced that Shelly R. Brown has joined the University’s Board of Trustees, with a term that started in November 2023. Brown is a high performing senior executive with vast experience and proven results in corporate development, enterprise leadership, operations, and philanthropy, through his career at Fortune 500 companies, privately held firms and across the public sector.
“I am an ardent believer in the critical role that education plays in preparing future leaders for a more sustainable and inclusive economy,” Brown said. “The experience at William Woods University inspires academic excellence, engagement and growth. I am humbled and honored to serve our mission with my colleagues on the Board of Trustees.”
A former board director of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Brown is a bridge-builder and creator of partnerships that catalyze fresh thinking, new approaches, advancing innovation and ingenuity. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the 2023 Leadership Award from Women’s Enterprise and Minority Business News, for a commitment to the success of entrepreneurs, job creation and corporate development.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Brown was decorated for service during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. A two-time graduate of WWU, he received both his Bachelor’s (Management) and Masters (Business Administration) degrees from William Woods. He has also completed executive coursework at Dartmouth College and through McKinsey Academy’s Black Executive Leadership Program.
Brown has a long history of commitment to the non-profit and civic community as reflected through board service and volunteerism. He currently serves on the board for Habitat for Humanity of Lake County, Illinois, where he is Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee; Boy Scouts of America – Northeast Illinois Council; and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He lives with his wife and son on the North shore of Chicago, Illinois.
