Nothing takes Caitlin Shaw’s breath away more than a riveting rendition of Shakespeare. Once a communications major and theatre Studies minor at Northwestern University, Shaw has loved the arts, especially theatre, since middle school.
Rather than pursuing her passion for theatre and production on the stage, however, Shaw took a different route and chose to work behind the scenes. After college, she earned a master’s degree in College Student Personnel at Bowling Green State University and joined the staff at Duke’s University Center Activities and Events.
As a Program Coordinator, Shaw paves the way for students to cultivate similar interests within the arts on campus. She currently oversees and advises the Arts Annex and its student advisory board, as well as Duke University Union Arts, which consists of the dance, theatre, arts, and a cappella councils
“As my advisor for Dance Council, DSG and now duARTS, Shaw has challenged me to tackle large projects and push boundaries,” senior Nandini Srinivasan said. “She gently guides each of her students, but also knows how to light a fire in their bellies when the need arises.”
Shaw also co-advises LAUNCH, the UCAE peer involvement program, and works with DUU Annual Events and the VisArts team. In addition, she advises new student groups in their early development by answering general questions and providing necessary resources.
“One of the things I really like about Duke is the passion and creativity that Duke students have,” Shaw said. “Every type of organization I work with has so much energy.”
Working with communities such as the Arts Annex and DUU Arts has allowed Shaw’s enthusiasm for the arts and student programming to coalesce over the past two years.
“It’s exciting to me because you have a combination of student programming and student advising, as well as this idea of creating spaces for students,” Shaw said.
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