Founding attorney of Hilliard & Shadowen LLP Steve Shadowen was celebrated this month for his accomplishments upon finishing his third year as Chair of the Board of Trustees for St. Edward’s University.
Mr. Shadowen graduated from St. Edward’s, the 146-year-old Holy Cross institution, in 1980 and has remained an engaged alumnus ever since, donating generously with his wife to the university through endowed scholarships.
From 2019 to 2020, Mr. Shadowen was the Chair of the Search Committee in finding a new University President, resulting in the inauguration of the school’s first Hispanic President, Dr. Montserrat Fuentes.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for St. Edwards’, as it did for many institutions of higher learning, but Steve Shadowen and the rest of the Board of Trustees helped guide the university through those challenges.
Shadowen regards the work he does with the Board as deeply meaningful to him. He refers to the sustenance he receives from his time spent helping the university as “booster shots of goodness.”
At the event in his honor at St. Edward’s, Mr. Shadowen was celebrated for some of his greatest accomplishments as Chair of the Board of Trustees, such as delivering balanced budgets each year, overseeing significant growth in the school’s endowment, leadership in creating a new School of Health Sciences and nursing programs, managing a seamless transition to the University’s new President, and introducing the Strategic Plan 2027, a roadmap for future growth, increase in diversity, and strengthened ties between the university and the business, educational, cultural, and political communities in Austin.
“I’ve loved St. Edward’s University since the day I arrived as a freshman in the fall of 1977,” Shadowen said. “It’s been my joy and honor to have helped lead the university these past few years.”
Following his final term as Chair, Mr. Shadowen continues to serve on the Board of Trustees’ Executive Committee.