Embracing Life's Changes
Faculty Focus on Jennifer Shaw, PhD
October 27, 2020
“She who is flexible never gets bent out of shape.” It’s a quote that associate physiology
professor, Jennifer Shaw, PhD, has been inspired by for nearly 20 years and has instilled in her children. And
it’s a trait that has kept her nimble and adaptable to change throughout her career.
In 2019, Dr. Shaw jumped at the chance to become part of a new campus, face the challenges of pre-clinical course design and implementation, and get closer
to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida. Along with her two children and husband,
the Shaws left Oklahoma and made the move to South Georgia.
Endearingly referred to as “He Shaw” and “She Shaw” on campus, Dr. Jennifer Shaw works
alongside her husband, Ed Shaw, PhD, associate professor of medical microbiology and immunology. The couple has worked
together in higher education and research for a number of years and continue to be
grateful for that opportunity.
“Ed and I have always worked within the same institution, though in different departments
and buildings,” she said. “Upon our arrival and discovery that our PCOM South Georgia
campus offices were six feet apart, we said ‘seriously?’ and laughed. I have continual
access to his sense of humor, which helps me when I take work too seriously. We have
been “Team Shaw” for 22 years, and I feel lucky to work alongside my husband.”
H. William Craver DO, FACOS, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of PCOM South Georgia, said that the energy that
the Shaws bring to the College is exciting and contagious.
“Dr. J. Shaw is always ready to step in, help out and lend a hand. The students have
ultimate respect for what the Shaws bring to the campus, and we are very lucky to
have them as part of our team.”
As an undergraduate alumna from Florida State University and a doctoral alumna from
The University of Montana School of Pharmacy, Dr. Shaw has remained passionate about
teaching and learning for nearly 20 years. Prior to joining PCOM South Georgia, Dr.
Shaw was a tenured professor who juggled an extramurally funded lab and more than
120 lectures per year. These lectures were delivered to college juniors and seniors,
master’s and doctoral students, as well as second-year veterinary students.
“Witnessing young people grow simply rocks my world,” she said. “The constant learning
is what the biomedical sciences are all about. Medical physiology along with anatomy
are at the very foundation of medicine and illustrate how all of the body systems
work together. I could teach it for the rest of my career.”
Like many members of the College, Dr. Shaw is eager to return to campus to teach and
socialize with students and colleagues.
“My favorite memory is the laughter and friendship on the PCOM South Georgia campus—anyone
who packs up and moves to a brand new campus (faculty and students alike) must have
a bit of an adventurous, pioneer-like spirit, so it makes for a fun group of people.”
In addition to researching, lecturing and parenting, Dr. Shaw enjoys spin and HIIT
classes at her local gym.
The Shaws have been married for nearly 23 years and have two children who are both
actively involved in academics and athletics. Their daughter is a senior in high school
and will soon attend The University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. Their
son is a freshman in high school.
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About PCOM South Georgia
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) extended its commitment to the
Southeast by establishing PCOM South Georgia, an additional teaching location in Moultrie, Georgia. PCOM South Georgia offers both
a full, four-year medical program leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
degree and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree. PCOM is a private, not-for-profit
institution which trains professionals in the health and behavioral sciences fields.
Joining PCOM Georgia in Suwanee in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state,
PCOM South Georgia focuses on educating physicians for the South Georgia region. The
medical campus, which welcomed its inaugural class of medical students in August 2019,
has received accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association's Commission
on Osteopathic College Accreditation. For more information, visit pcom.edu/southgeorgia or call 229-668-3110.
For more information, contact:
Jordan Roberts
Public Relations and Social Media Manager
Email: jordanro1@pcom.edu
Office: 229-668-3198 | Cell: 229-873-2003
Connect with PCOM South Georgia