Karen E. Shropshire
Nominated Position: Sample Position
Nominated by: Self, Cheryl Queen, Shanikka N. Wagner, William Harvey and Lauren Shropshire
Degree Earned: BS and JD | Year Awarded: 1979 and 1982
Current HUAA Role: Region III Chair 2020-2026
Karen E. Shropshire is a proud daughter of Howard University — a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law — whose life and leadership embody Howard’s enduring motto: Truth and Service. For Karen, Howard is not simply where she studied; it is where her purpose was sharpened and her lifelong commitment to service was affirmed.
Karen began her legal career with the Georgia Legal Services Program, advocating for marginalized and underserved communities. She later made history as the first African American Administrative Law Judge at the Georgia Office of Administrative Hearings. She has served indigent defendants in one of the Southeast’s largest public defender offices and currently serves as Chief of Staff for a Georgia State Senator. As a Certified Mediator in the Atlanta court system, she has honed the skills of listening, consensus-building, and unifying diverse voices — qualities essential for leading a global alumni body with strength and diplomacy.
Her service to Howard University spans more than a decade and is deeply hands-on. For years, Karen has led excited high school students on a three day tour of Howard’s campus, opening their eyes to possibility and excellence. For many, that visit becomes a transformative experience — their first glimpse of themselves as future Bison.
As Past President of the Howard University Alumni Club of Atlanta, Karen laid the foundation for the club’s emergence as one of the most illustrious and respected alumni clubs worldwide. Under her leadership, the club expanded its programming, strengthened alumni engagement, and increased membership.
Most importantly, under her leadership she has been responsible for raising tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, directly impacting students’ ability to enroll, persist, and graduate. Her leadership has helped recruit students, reconnect alumni, and build a culture of giving that sustains Howard’s future.
Currently serving as HUAA Region III Chair (2020–2026) she oversees the largest region which includes 12 alumni clubs. As a former HUAA Vice President of Administration, Karen brings unmatched institutional knowledge and governance experience. She understands HUAA’s policies, structure, and potential — and she is prepared to move the Association forward with clarity and purpose.
Her leadership is both strategic and personal. One alum shares:
“Karen was instrumental in me getting back involved with the alumni club in Atlanta in 2012. I have been actively serving ever since due to her mentorship and dedication to HUAA. She supported me during the passing of my father and helped me establish my Howard University Memorial Scholarship in his honor, which continues to be awarded to incoming students from Atlanta.”
Another supporter affirms:
“Karen is deeply passionate about Howard University, committed to preserving its legacy, advancing impactful fundraising initiatives, strengthening alumni engagement, fostering meaningful connections with current students, and inspiring the next generation of future Bison. I don’t know anyone more deserving.”
As President, Karen will prioritize initiatives to increase male enrollment, strategically engage young alumni, expand a culture of alumni giving, support clubs, and cultivate strong, collaborative partnerships with University leadership to ensure transparency, and institutional excellence.
Karen E. Shropshire is ready to lead HUAA into its next era of excellence.
Truth. Service. Leadership. Howard.
Proven leader. Extremely knowledgeable in HUAA policies and practices with over a decade of dedicated service to HUAA. She served in numerous leadership positions including HUAA VP of Administration and President of the HUAC-Atlanta Helping to raise tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships
“Karen was instrumental in me getting back involved with the alumni club in Atlanta in 2012 and I have been actively serving since due to her amazing mentorship and dedication to HUAA. She was very supportive during the passing of my father and was instrumental in helping me to 7 establish my Howard University Memorial Scholarship in honor of my father and it is currently still be awarded to incoming students at Howard University from Atlanta, GA.”
“Karen is deeply passionate about Howard University, committed to preserving its legacy, advancing impactful fundraising initiatives, strengthening alumni engagement, fostering meaningful connections with current students, and inspiring the next generation of future Bison. I don’t know anyone more deserving.”
“Proven leader. Extremely knowledgeable in HUAA policies and practices with over a decade of dedicated service to HUAA. She served in numerous leadership positions including HUAA VP of Administration and President of the HUAC-Atlanta.”