Elizabeth Thigpen Shaw

Elizabeth Thigpen Shaw was born September 4, 1923, in Autreyville, North Carolina, the daughter of Robert W. and Daisy Faircloth Thigpen. The family moved to Horry County when she was nine months old. Mrs. Shaw was valedictorian of the Conway High School class of 1940. She later attended Motte's Business College in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she graduated, once again, as valedictorian of her class.

Mr. Shaw began her career as secretary/bookkeeper for the county superintendent. Mrs. Shaw was employed by E. Craig Wall Sr. at Canal Industries, Inc. for 43 years and help the positions of corporate secretary and secretary. She is part-owner of the accounting firm Ca-Wins, Inc. Mrs. Shaw has been a member of the Horry County Higher Education Commission since 1985, served as chairman in 1990, treasurer since 1990, and chairman of Finance/Budget/Audit Committee since 1988. Shaw also has been active in the college's Coastal Council for Internationals and served as vice chairman and finance chairman of the Wheelwright Council for the Arts.

 She has been an active volunteer for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, United Way, March of Dimes, Salvation Army, and Pilot Club of Conway, among others. Mrs. Shaw has been a director of the Conway High School Educational Foundation since 1990. She has been a member of the Business and Professional Womens Club of Conway, having held office in the organization. She was on the organizing board of the Quail Creek Property Owners Association and held numerous offices with the association. She is a member of the Peter Horry Chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolutions and the Conway Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

In 1985, she recieved a commendation from the Horry County Delegation for service to the people of Horry County. In1990, Mrs. Shaw recieved the American Legion Outstanding Community Service Award.

Shaw was named an honorary founder of Coastal Carolina University in 1993.