Claudia Schaefer

Professor Schaefer is originally from Los Angeles, CA, and she worked in Washington, DC, for 25 years before moving to Winston-Salem in June 2008. She caught wind of the position at Salem through a friend and colleague on the board of The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem. She met Dr. Doug Borwick, director, not-for-profit management and arts management programs, who asked her to teach Nonprofit Management & Governance (NFPM 310) and develop the curriculum for NFPM 150, Web-based Marketing & Fundraising for Nonprofits.

Professor Schaefer values an all-women setting because students seem to be more comfortable and open about sharing their beliefs, feelings, ideas and knowledge and are particularly supportive of each other.

Her career has been in PR, marketing and communications for nonprofit organizations and the companies that serve them. She believes the benefit of choosing a not-for-profit-management major at Salem is that Winston-Salem has a vibrant nonprofit community. Those who teach in this department are well-connected locally, as well as at the state and national levels, to introduce students to people working in the field.

For students considering a major in the nonprofit sector, she suggests that you stay current and gain “real world” knowledge by subscribing to nonprofit publications and blogs. Join local and state nonprofit organizations, such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Triad Chapter and the NC Center for Nonprofits. Sign up for free trials and/or webinars. Volunteer with as many different nonprofit organizations as possible during your college career. Find a mentor in your specific field of interest. Develop strong writing skills.

Professor Schaefer is married to her husband, Marcus, who has served as President and CEO of Truliant Federal Credit Union since 1998. Her 83 year-old mother lives in Los Angeles and has worked with senior citizens since she was in her 40s, leading singing groups in the community. Professor Schaefer and her husband also have a very smart 7-year-old male Boxer named Kaiser, who gets the newspaper every morning.

Favorite Quotes:
Katharine Meyer Graham, who led her family's newspaper, The Washington Post, for more than two decades.
“To love what you do and feel that it matters how could anything be more fun?”

Eleanor Roosevelt, who changed the role of the first lady through her active and outspoken participation in American politics. Several of her quotes are inspiring and memorable. Just two:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”  
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.”