David Shaw Named USM Senior Fellow

PORTLAND, Maine — David Evans Shaw, University of Southern Maine alum, founder of IDEXX Laboratories, and the CEO of Black Point Group, has been named a USM Senior Fellow. Over the next two years, Shaw will collaborate with faculty and students, serve as mentor, and provide advising and research expertise. 

“David has been a leading force behind Maine’s technology revolution and a dedicated champion for public service,” said

USM President Glenn Cummings. “We are excited to continue strengthening our partnership and his mentorship in the role as USM Senior Fellow will be an immense resource for our students.”

Shaw earned his MBA from USM in 1976 and received an honorary degree in 2015. He is currently CEO of Black Point Group, a private investment partnership based in Portland. An entrepreneur and activist, he has extensive global leadership experience in science-based companies, investment management, public service, and non-profit organizations. 

Shaw’s work at USM won’t be limited to business studies. He will be available to the entire USM community as a guest speaker, student mentor, and advisor. He will also be involved in other activities to support USM’s mission. 

While he will serve as Senior Fellow part time, Shaw will keep an office on the Portland Campus. 

Shaw expressed his appreciation for this new role and lauded USM’s work and mission. 

“The presence of a university like USM in our community is a very positive force for intellectual inspiration, exploration of new ideas, critical thinking, skill development, and lifelong learning.  All these can enhance quality of life in our community. I also appreciate the accessibility and breadth of programming at USM — to benefit a very wide range of interests,” Shaw said.   

Shaw and members of his family launched the David Shaw Innovation Fellowship program at USM earlier this year with a $500,000 gift.

Situated in Maine’s economic and cultural center, the University of Southern Maine (USM) is a public university with 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students taking courses online and at campuses in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn. Known for its academic excellence, student focus and engagement with the community, USM provides students with hands-on experience that complements classroom learning and leads to employment opportunities in one of the nation’s most desirable places to live.