Learning Assistance Center, Disability Services director named

Michael Shuman, associate director of the Wake Forest Learning Assistance Center, poses in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library on Thursday, August 18, 2011.

Michael Shuman

Michael Shuman has been promoted to director of Wake Forest’s Learning Assistance Center and Disability Services (LAC-DS).

As director, Shuman is responsible for providing leadership and vision in the areas of academic support and disability services for the University community. He manages the clinical and administrative operations of the LAC-DS, implements accommodations for students with disabilities and coordinates a comprehensive academic coaching and peer tutoring program for students.

Shuman had served since last July as interim director of the LAC-DS. Since joining the office’s staff in 1997, he had held several positions, including associate director, assistant director, and academic counselor and coordinator of special services.

“Having worked for over 18 years at Wake Forest, I have a deep understanding of our campus culture–both its challenges and accolades–and have come to love and value the Wake Forest community,” Shuman said.

“I am passionate about providing the support and resources that college students need to become successful, resilient and engaged learners, and I am both thrilled and grateful to be named director of the Learning Assistance Center and Disability Services,” he added. “I am so proud of what we do for our students and the greater Wake Forest community in the LAC-DS, and I am excited to continue to lead the office in our commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for all students to achieve academic success.”

The LAC-DS is part of the University’s Division of Campus Life.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Michael has accepted the role of director of the Learning Assistance Center and Disability Services,” said Vice President for Campus Life Penny Rue.

“By helping students improve their academic performance through a variety of academic support services: teaching and research, academic counseling, providing workshops, meeting with prospective students and families, he enhances their lives every day,” Rue added.  “He is especially gifted in developing creative accommodations for students with disabilities.”

Shuman and Assistant Professor of Mathematics Robert Erhardt recently received considerable attention for innovative efforts to devise a novel suite of technologies to help a blind student do her homework, study for tests and take exams. Through their successful efforts, student Kathryn Webster has been able to study high level math to pursue her dream of becoming an actuarial scientist. More about that story can be found here.

“I am looking forward to working with Michael to advance our mission to enable all students to experience equal access to the academic, social and recreational activities and programs at Wake Forest,” Rue said.

Shuman received a bachelor of arts degree in music and French at Furman University, a master of education in higher education administration degree at the University of South Carolina and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

The University launched a national search last November for the director of the LAC-DS.  Associate Director for Campus Life Finance and Operations Wendy Logan led the search.

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