Dr. Shirley C. Raines became the 11th president of the University of Memphis on July 1, 2001. She is the first woman to hold the presidency of the University, which was founded in 1912.

Before her appointment at the University of Memphis, Dr. Raines was Vice Chancellor for Academic Services and Dean of the College of Education at the University of Kentucky. While at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, she received the Distinguished Faculty Member award and has received two research awards from the Eastern Educational Research Association. She is the author of 14 books and numerous journal articles, and is widely regarded as an expert in teacher education and early childhood education.

During the years of Dr. Raines' tenure at the University of Memphis, the following building projects have been completed: the FedEx Institute of Technology, the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management, the Student Activities Plaza and fountain, the clock tower, University Services Building with new bookstore, the Athletic Training Facility, additions to the Carpenter Student Housing Complex, and the renovation of Wilder Tower, which is devoted to student services. New construction ventures underway include renovation of the former Millington Naval Hospital to classrooms for the University's Millington Campus, a new student center and the relocation of the Law School to the historic downtown location on the Mississippi River.

Described in Memphis' The Commercial Appeal as “powerful, prepared and personable,” she has become known for her effective work in building productive partnerships on and off the campus. Some of the most visible partnerships include those with FedEx Corporation, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare, First Tennessee and Baptist Memorial Health Care. Major focus areas of her work with students include expanding the University's Honors program and creating internships and co-op experiences in many majors.

Dr. Raines is one of 12 college presidents on the board for the NCAA and chairs the Presidential Task Force Oversight and Monitoring Group and continues with the C-USA board. While Chair of the Board of Directors of C-USA, Dr. Raines led the conference through realignment. As a community leader, she serves as the past chair of the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce and on the board of directors of several non-profit organizations, including Memphis Tomorrow, local PBS station WKNO, and the Higher Education Division of United Way. The April 2007 issue of Business TN, included her on the magazine's list of the 100 most powerful people in Tennessee.

Dr. Raines earned her Doctorate in Education and her Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Her Bachelor of Science degree is from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She also completed the Management Development Program from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

A native of Bells, Tenn., she is married to retired professor, Dr. Robert J. Canady. In his retirement, he is a stained glass artist and a private pilot. Bob and Shirley are the parents of four adult children and three grandchildren.