Chicago State Investiture

Chicago State University celebrated the Investiture of Zaldwaynaka Scott, Esq., twelfth president – during a ceremony and scholarship gala on Thursday, April 11, 2019. The events, highlighted the history and promising future of the university and its’ new leadership.

Hundreds filled the Jones Convocation Center for the ceremony – the highlight of a series of inaugural events hosted by the university.  The Investiture opened with a processional that included faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and delegates from other universities and the city of Chicago.

Nicholas Gowen, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, presided over the ceremony. “We found a person who will lead this institution to new heights,” said Gowen.  

Heartfelt and congratulatory greetings were given from several dignitaries and business leaders that included Roderick Hawkins, Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Engagement, Office of the Mayor City of Chicago, Lori E. Lightfoot, Mayor Elect-, City of Chicago, Patrick Magoon, CEO, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Andrea Zopp, President, World Business Chicago, Patricia B. Holmes, Board of Trustee, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Board of Trustee and Dr. Lauren Robel, EVP & Provost, Indiana University.

President Scott shared her vision and discussed her commitment to diversity and to providing education to students who have a desire to learn but might not have the finances.  “We know for our students a college degree is an equalizer and a game changer,” she said.

President Scott was appointed the university’s twelfth president in May 2018 and began service on July 1, 2018.  Prior to her appointment, she served more than 16 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois where she was Chief of the General Crimes Section. She also served as Illinois’ first Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Governor and Public Universities.

President Scott taught at Northwestern University School of Law, The University of Chicago Law School and John Marshall Law School. She also served on the Board of Visitors at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and was the Board’s elected Vice President of the Chicago State Board of Trustees from 2010-13.

President Scott’s peers rank her among the nation’s top lawyers, resulting in her inclusion in Chambers and Partners USA, U.S. News Best Lawyers, Women in Business Law Guide, The Best Lawyers in America, Leading Lawyers 2015, Top 10 Women in Criminal Defense and Illinois Super Lawyers. 

President Scott holds a law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

CSU Scholarship Gala Highlights