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Journeys in Leadership: Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott
President of Chicago State University
Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott, JD, became the 12th permanent president of Chicago State University on July 1, 2018.
President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott has served as a transformative and visionary leader at Chicago State University, guiding the institution through a period of historic renewal and strategic growth. As the only four- U.S. Department of Education-designated Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in Illinois, CSU has flourished under her leadership—embracing a bold new direction as a regional public university powerhouse.
President Scott has championed a forward-looking mission grounded in academic excellence, ethical leadership, and innovation.
A national voice for equity in higher education, President Scott co-founded the National Coalition of Predominantly Black Institutions of Higher Education, helping to launch the first-ever Congressional PBI Caucus. In Illinois, she convened and co-chaired the Equity Working Group, a cross-sector body focused on improving Black student access and success in higher education. The group’s recommendations have been cited in the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois, and codified in the legislation that created the Illinois Commission on Equitable Public University Funding—underscoring her impact on shaping policy at the state and national levels.
President Scott has been named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Most Powerful Women in Chicago Business (2018), a Notable Leader in Education (2023–2025), and a Notable Black Leader (2024). Her distinguished legal career has earned her national recognition in Chambers and Partners USA, Best Lawyers in America, Illinois Super Lawyers, and Leading Lawyers, among others.
President Scott earned her Juris Doctor from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In recognition of her exceptional career in public service and leadership, the Maurer School of Law honored her with its Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and inducted her into its Alumni Hall of Fame in 2019.
Wednesday, Mar. 18 | 12:20 p.m. | Goodwin Hall of Business, 411
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